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Leaders vested in virtue prevail
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February 1, 2021So here we are. Most wonder what just happened with the U.S. elections, why the obvious is never investigated or properly reported, and where God is in all this.
It is one of those nonsensical epochs of life – a ‘zebra’ with no recognizable precedent in our lifetimes. Right now, nothing seems reliable, except God.
As we try to stay balanced on an electric tightrope of faith – in business, with family and acquaintances, even in formerly harmless Church circles, and grasp for normalcy – there really is a supernatural ‘weather pattern’ we should recognize.
God is calling His faithful ambassadors to be especially reassuring, virtuous leaders in storm-darkened days, so that those bereft of faith or hope will be inspired and comforted – and turn back to Him in time. It’s not just about business, or government or parish. It’s about reaching every person we encounter, effectively for God. Even the most staunch republic, best financial system, and heartiest family relationships cannot fix what’s spiritually broken.
Many of us have gone through debilitating life-droughts – sudden reversals of fortune, betrayals of family or friends, scandals of favorite priests, health dips, and sickening governmental disappointments. God seems to be asking us now to detach from typical comforts, and to trust Him solely … minute to minute. It is He who determines the course of history – not us.
A godly Catholic prepares for onslaught well, in advance of crisis.
In my father’s final year of life nine years ago, he was on a ventilator for months at a time. He’d successfully wean off the machine, strengthen his breathing, then another cold would hit and he’d get set back. It seemed he was becoming weaker, unable to fight and simply breathe.
But interiorly, he was growing stronger. He prayed all day in his bed, just as he had prayed daily at Mass and at home. Meditating on Christ bolstered him, because of a lifetime of spiritual muscle.
During one of his ‘bounces’ when he was off the ventilator, telling bad jokes again to the nurses, and making the other vent patients laugh ‘til their machine alarms blared, I brought our priest to visit him. As Father began reciting the Anointing prayers, nurses and doctors came in and prayed beside. Dad knew the Rites, joining in aloud with happy tears. He knew he’d soon be meeting Christ. When I brought the priest again weeks later, dad was seated in a chair dressed in his jacket, tie, and trousers in eager anticipation. “C’mon Father,” he quipped, “have I got a Confession for you!” Dad ordered me out of the room, while they spent over an hour together. I heard the priest laughing with him, as dad asked the nurse to bring two shots of Southern Comfort.
My father never wavered in his faith, and led our family in it. He had many hard times in layoffs, but would never let God go. He told us he was mainly concerned for our souls. Now I understand.
We follow his priceless leadership still.
CHRISTINE VALENTINE-OWSIK is Legatus magazine’s editor.
