Dear Trinity,

There are times of stress in our lives, decisions that must be made, and conversations that are vital to hold that require the very best in whom we are. Stress, anger, and fear cloud our view of the world and cause us to feel alone and vulnerable. This vulnerability may produce fear or anxiety, making it more difficult to discuss rationally, make decisions, or find the holy in those moments of doubt and disagreement. These are times when we must stop and let Jesus come into the moment, the conversation, and the decision.

It is easy, in the intensity of the moment, to let our faith take second place to our sense of needing to act. It swallows up the decision to pray, think, and reflect. There are even moments when we act as though Jesus or our faith is actually an obstacle or irrelevant to the topic at hand. It is in those moments that we must remember that there is nothing separate from our faith. We must stop and let Jesus enter into those moments, asking ourselves what Jesus teaches us.

To stop before we act - To stop before we speak - To stop before we judge or guess others’ motivation is important for our own peace of mind and the healthy, holy resolution of our issue. We must stop and let Jesus into the conversation, into the act, into the moment. It is easy for us to define someone as different. It takes Christ to help us see the brother or sister.

We stop, take a breath, breathe a prayer, and ask ourselves what Jesus is expecting of us - this is the way to seek an answer that is faithful. Jesus took time to pray before acting – He is our model and His way is what he expects from us – in all things.

We sometimes forget that the Holy Spirit is available at all times and desires involvement in teaching us to know the right way, the holy decision, the way of the Kingdom. Do not let fear or anxiety decide things for you – Let Jesus in.

O God, by whom the meek are guided in judgment, and

light riseth up in darkness for the godly: Grant us, in all

our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what thou

wouldest have us to do, that the Spirit of wisdom may save

us from all false choices, and that in thy light we may see

light, and in thy straight path may not stumble; through

Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Peace, Father Gerry †