Today, let us pray that God will provide strength and comfort to all those struggling with their faith.

Fr. Max Langenderfer, OFM

Who has not at some time felt overwhelmed by the suffering inflicted from the war in Ukraine, by political divisions at home, by personal pain and sickness? We may feel that God has abandoned us or that God is simply silent or far away. Even lack of spiritual leadership in our church communities can challenge our faith in God.

Jesus was nailed to a cross, unable to move. In the darkness and silence of the night God is still there. Perhaps it is our too many words, too many thoughts that keep us from feeling that faithful and constant love of Jesus for each of us. “Listen with the ears of your heart.”

Fr. Max Langenderfer, OFM, is a Franciscan friar and Catholic priest ministering in retirement in Cincinnati, Ohio.

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