The world looked on in shock as the 850 year old Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris was engulfed in flames. The cathedral, the work of medieval craftsmen and artists, was beloved by the French people and visitors from around the world. The tragedy felt perhaps more devastating as it was in the midst of the holiest week of the Christian year.

But in the midst of this tragedy we were inspired by acts of devotion. Father Jean-Marc Fournier, Chaplain of the Paris Fire Brigade, organized a human chain to rescue some of the most precious artifacts from the cathedral. Among them, the Blessed Sacrament was retrieved. And The Crown of Thorns was brought to safety. This precious artifact, rarely seen, is said to be the crown placed of the head of Jesus Christ at His crucifixion. It was stored in a gold case in the cathedral treasury. I admire their heroism in entering the burning building to save those items most precious to them.

That evening on the streets surrounding the cathedral, crowds of Parisians gathered. They joined their voices singing quiet hymns of devotion. As they sang, Christians around the globe lifted prayers on behalf of the people of Paris and Catholic brothers and sisters throughout the world. In the midst of dire circumstances, we are often brought closer together.

On this Monday morning, I hope we are not faced with a tragedy of this magnitude. But, I am reminded of the many times when our lives are not running smoothly. We feel helpless and out of control. We tend to feel more secure when life is predictable. We look to Isaiah’s words where we are reminded, “God is my Savior, I will trust him, and not be afraid.”

Whatever trouble or circumstance we face today, I hope that we do not feel alone. I pray that we will come together as a community of Christ here in this place, that we will reverently seek the Lord’s help and blessing. Here we can join hands and reach out in prayer and loving action to help our brothers and sisters who face suffering of any kind.
It is in this humble service, that we share the love of Christ, the love that is given unconditionally to you and to me.

Judy