Trusting God in times of crisis

Scripture for Mass

Isaiah 7:10-4

Psalm 24(23): 1-2. 3-4b. 5-6. Response: cf. 6

Romans 1:1-7

Matthew 1:18-24

How do you respond when a crisis threatens to turn your world upside down? Overwhelmed by anxiety, some people deny what is happening and cling desperately to the past. Most of us, however, think things over and consult with a few others whom we trust. Then, we decide on a cautious path forward.

But what if we were to decide not to try to re-gain control of the situation but rather allow God to lead us into a new path? Of course, this would require us to trust in God’s providence and faithfulness.

Faced with the threat of an invasion of his country, King Ahaz confronted a choice between forming a military alliance with a powerful neighbour or putting his faith in God’s protection. Despite the pleas of the prophet Isaiah and the promise of a sign from God, he decided to rely on his own judgement – with devastating consequences.

Soon after discovering that Mary was pregnant, Joseph also faced a hard choice: to rely on his own judgement and cancel his marriage plans or to trust in God’s mysterious plan. Unlike King Ahaz, he decided to place the future in God’s hands.

In a time of crisis, surrendering our control and asking God for guidance means that we become very vulnerable as we enter a new and unfamiliar path. Moreover, like Jospeh, as we travel forward, we are likely to encounter new challenges, each of which will be an invitation to deepen further our confidence that God will faithfully guide and provide for us.