the ruins
"I will wall up its breaches, raise up its ruins, and rebuild it as in the days of old." —Amos 9:11
In our culture of death, many people and things are in ruins. Marriages, families, ministries, neighborhoods, cities, finances, and whole lives are in ruins. Humanly, it is impossible to raise up these ruins. However, "nothing is impossible with God" (Lk 1:37).
In fact, the Lord promises that He will raise up even the ancient ruins — lives and things that have been ruined for so long that hardly anyone even thinks of their restoration. Yet the Lord promises: "They shall rebuild the ancient ruins, the former wastes they shall raise up and restore the ruined cities, desolate now for generations" (Is 61:4).
Furthermore, the Lord promises: "The ancient ruins shall be rebuilt for your sake, and the foundations from ages past you shall raise up; 'Repairer of the breach,' they shall call you, 'Restorer of ruined homesteads' " (Is 58:12). We can even be part of the New Testament fulfillment of the prophecies of Amos and Isaiah (see Acts 15:16).
Consequently, when you see our civilization in ruins, don't despair. Be filled with hope, for we know the Lord's promises and His faithfulness in fulfilling His promises (Jos 23:14). Then, "should anyone ask you the reason for this hope of yours, be ever ready to reply" (1 Pt 3:15).
Prayer: "Make me a channel of Your peace. Where there is hatred, let me bring Your love."
Promise: "They pour new wine into new wineskins, and in that way both are preserved." —Mt 9:17
Praise: When her husband converted to the Catholic faith, Barbara also came back to the Church of her youth.
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 27, 2018
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