When I learned about what happened to Jacob, I have to admit that it brought me to some tears. I looked around the airport and asked questions . What could have I done ? Why do things like this happen?
I do not know what was going through Jacob’s mind, but what we do know is that there are plenty of questions. Also I know that I don’t have the answers.
Jacob often wore his faith and spoke with big smiles when talking about doing youth ministry. Yet, I submit that, in the most desperate hour, he may have forgot that faith is where he could have found hope and new strength.
That is important for us now.
When we are having troubles - even in our most desperate hours, we can find possibilities and strength in the divine gifts of faith and hope.
Much like another struggling Jacob who, in Genesis, wrestles with God through the night to find a blessing.
No doubt there are times when we question everything and anything. Go ahead and ask questions. Shake fists , argue with the Spirit, and even wrestle.
I submit to you to lean into each other, to lean into faith and lean into the Spirit.
For whether we have personal relationships with the Spirit or yet to learn how to have one, we can recognize that we do not have to do things alone.
We can overcome troubles and find possible when we reach out to people. Additionally when we reach into faith and when we reach into hope there we can find strength.
We remember that we are loved (yes you and I too) and that we extend love to others. Remind those around each of us that they are loved. That is strength one cannot deny.
Yes, there, we can find strength because for all the things that happen to us and around us that we cannot control, it is in these core elements or divine gifts: our faith, our hope, our love ...
In these gifts, we can find new strength, even when all seems lost. That is because these divine gifts are there for us to find strength when we succeed and when we fall.
Good thing to consider is that these gifts do not run out or leave us. These gifts keep renewing and remind us that the Spirit is speaking to us, teaching us and lifting us. They are always available to us like a continuous water well where we can arrive, talk with the Creator, and come away with sustenance.
Reach out to others to talk, reach out to the Spirit with your questions too - and then find strength, courage and paths open up before you.
In light of this tragedy, I am more committed to make the most of every breath that God blesses me, and I believe that will be the best tribute I can give in Jacob’s honor.
Peace be with you.
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