Long life in God

"No longer shall the sound of weeping be heard there, or the sound of crying; No longer shall there be in it an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not round out his full lifetime." Is 65:20

Isaiah's promise that God wants us to live a long life of peace, especially when we read and reflect upon it during Lent, is designed to assure us that no matter what difficulties we might be experiencing individually or as a church, God is and will be faithful. God has a plan full of promise, beauty and joy, a desire for all to know the fullness of life forever.

At the same time, it can be difficult to wait upon God. We want what we want when we want it, and when we become too anxious, we fail to be discerning and patient. Clarity can and will come to us if only we quiet ourselves, listen carefully to the scriptures, read the signs of the times, and allow God to work through us.

These days as we await the election of a new Pope, many are anxious and agitated. Some are hoping for change. Others want a return to a more narrow interpretation of our Catholic faith. This kind of anxiety can get in the way of our daily life and our ability to live the Gospel simply. No matter who is elected as Pope, or what path takes to help us live the Gospel more deeply, the promise of Isaiah should sustain us. God wants us to live forever in peace and hope, and the election of Pope can never change that.

Today, rest in God's promise of life forever.

What practices most help you live a peaceful life of quiet discernment?