Maybe you have been hemorrhaging for twelve years or have been drained of life in another way (Mk 5:25). You may have exhausted your savings in paying for doctors and/or counselors, yet you can find no relief. The situation has only grown worse (Mk 5:26). You feel hopeless and helpless, but you can be hopeful because Jesus loves you and can do all things.

You may have received the worst news of your life. Your twelve-year-old child is dead (Mk 5:35). You go through the funeral preparations and the wake in a traumatized state. You can't even think; you don't dare think. Is there any hope for the shattered heart of a grieving parent? Our hope is in Jesus — Jesus alone.

You may be facing an inhuman, diabolic persecution. Some of your Christian brothers and sisters have "endured mockery, scourging, even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, sawed in two, put to death at sword's point" (Heb 11:36-37). You are afraid, and your heart is breaking. How can you go on?

You can persevere in running the Christian race (Heb 12:1) under the worst circumstances by keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus (Heb 12:2). Jesus is your only Hope, and He is a sure Hope. "Hence do not grow despondent or abandon the struggle" (Heb 12:3).

Rescript:  †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July27, 2010

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