The One Sure Thing

August 28, 2024

Human nature craves certainty, a “sure thing” we can rely on. As my inbox is overflowing with “Labor Day Sale” emails, I can honestly say it makes me a bit melancholy because it signals the end of my slower-paced summertime. The heat and humidity might hang on, but the intentional time for lingering and reflecting gives way to school and ministry programs starting up again.

Familiar ministries like Family of Faith, our Bible study, and Welcome Retreats are beginning soon, and the SMOY students are already settling in with their new teachers and schedules. College students have moved into their dorms, and elementary children are waiting at the bus stop in the morning. As we settle into these familiar routines, we know that soon enough, the crisper air, sweet juicy apples, and mums glowing in purple, orange, and yellow will usher in fall. Winter and spring will follow, just like they do every year. It’s a sure thing that the seasons will change, and mostly a sure thing to expect snow in winter and rain in spring.

The recurring change of seasons is something we might consider unfailing in our lives. However, we all know that it can snow unexpectedly in spring when we’ve planned a family event or wedding outside, or it can be balmy in February for our much-anticipated ski trip. Only one sure thing or one sure person is unfailing, and that is God our Father. The Catechism of the Catholic Church in paragraph 202 offers us a description of God the Father:

“We firmly believe and confess without reservation that there is only one true God, eternal, infinite (immensus), and unchangeable, incomprehensible, almighty, and ineffable, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit; three persons indeed, but one essence, substance, or nature entirely simple.”

Among the many attributes we use to describe God, His unchangeable nature stands out as the one that assures us of His constant presence in our lives. He is always there, waiting for us to come to Him in the tabernacle, in morning prayer, or through a simple nod of gratitude for the blessings He bestows upon us. God never tires of us, never changes His mind about us, and continuously showers us with grace at every moment. This grace helps us remember to pray, make it through a green light on time, apologize when we hurt someone, and reach out to a friend in need. It prompts us to go to confession, fills us with divine life through the Sacraments, sustains us in times of suffering, and draws us ever closer to Him.

God’s love for us is unwavering, regardless of our actions or how far we may stray from Him. The Sacraments remain constant, offering sacramental grace that helps us thrive when we cooperate with it. Through the Sacraments, He nourishes us with His body and blood, absolves our deepest sins, adopts us as His children, and grants us the strength to endure illness or face our final moments.

The seasons we rely on were created by the One we depend on for everything, including each breath we take. His invitation to us is always open, His love for us is immeasurable, and His deepest desire is for us to spend eternity with Him in Heaven. Open your heart to His love and His Sacraments and respond to the One who longs for you.

This year, we will share insights about each of the Sacraments in our bulletin on the first Sunday of the month. On each of the following Sundays we will include activities to reinforce these teachings with your family.  Take a moment each week to reflect on the essence of God’s unchanging nature and His boundless grace. The Sacraments indeed play a crucial role in our spiritual journey, serving as channels through which we receive divine help and grow in holiness, but most of all to know that He is the one sure thing.

Written by Birgitt Hacker