# Finding strength in faith and community during times of tragedy
*2017-01-21*

> Bill Young reflects on recent tragedies and the importance of the Church as a support system, while offering prayers for the sick and the Holy Trinity.

## The Need for Spiritual Community

I started 2017 on a bit of a downside. First, there was the terrorist act and the killing of five individuals at the Fort Lauderdale Airport, which is only about 15 to 20 minutes from my house. Shortly after that, I received tragic news about a co-worker. She was always a very positive person, an ex-Marine, but she ended up taking her own life and the life of her nine-year-old daughter. It was shocking because she was not the type of person I would ever expect that to happen to.

In talking with her before this happened, she told me she believed in God, but she had no set religion. Many people are like that—they are swimming in the air, saying they believe in God, but they have no set way of going to church. You need community. God loves you, but He has given us tools to be strong and healthy: the Church, Communion, the saints, the angels, and prayer. We all have ups and downs—the good, the bad, and the indifferent—so it is vital to belong to a church where people can support you. Please, go to your church and get the backing you need.

## Turning Pain into Purpose

I also serve on the board of directors for the Ariel Anchor Cancer Foundation with Diane Trevelli. Diane lost her daughter, Ariel, to cancer about ten years ago when she was nearly nine years old. Instead of crumbling or getting depressed, Diane started this foundation in her daughter's name to help others. 

Recently, we heard about a little boy—also nearly nine years old—who was in hospice care. His mother, Monica, is now joining our board because she wants to help other mothers going through this struggle. It is striking that in these three different cases, children around the age of nine were lost. However, two of the mothers decided to use that pain as positive energy to help other people, rather than giving in to despair. Please pray with me today for all the lost souls: those from the Fort Lauderdale airport, Erica and her daughter, and Monica's son.

## Prayers for Healing and the Holy Trinity

We have a special intention today for Maricel, a friend I have known for many years on Facebook and YouTube. Her father in the Philippines is very ill and may need heart surgery. We pray that he receives the surgery he needs, has a speedy recovery, and that Maricel receives the strength and financial backing necessary for the operation.

For the sick, we pray: Oh my God, this sick person comes before you to ask what he desires and considers to be the important thing for him. God, allow these words to enter his heart. It is important to be healthy in soul. Lord, may your holy will be done in him in everything. If you want him to be healed, may his health be given to him. But if it is not your will, may he continue to carry his cross. I pray also for us, who intercede for him; purify our hearts and make us worthy of manifesting your holy mercy. Protect him and relieve his pains. Let your holy will be done in him. May your holy name be revealed through him and help him to carry his cross with courage. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

I also want to share a prayer to the Holy Trinity from the heart of St. Francis of Assisi. I was blessed last year to visit his church in Italy. This prayer emphasizes the interior actions of the Holy Spirit who purifies and kindles in us the fire of divine love:

Eternal, righteous, and merciful God, grant by your grace that we, poor creatures, may do what you want us to do and may always want what pleases you. And thus, purified in soul, interiorly enlightened, and enkindled by the fire of the Holy Spirit, may we follow in the footsteps of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, by the help of your grace alone. You who live and reign in glory in the perfect Trinity and a simple unity, almighty God, forever and ever. Amen.

## The Example of St. Vincent of Zaragossa

Today is the feast day of St. Vincent of Zaragossa. He lived in the fourth century as a deacon during a time of intense persecution. Despite being beaten and tortured, he stood fast in his faith. He eventually passed away and went to heaven after being consoled by family and friends. He was strong-willed and a true believer in Christ.

Whenever we have situations we are trying to overcome, we need faith. Without God, our life is meaningless. As the reflection from Franciscan Media says, the martyrs are heroic examples of what God's power can do. It is humanly impossible for someone to endure the tortures Vincent faced and remain faithful. But it is equally true that by human power alone, no one can remain faithful even without torture. God does not only come to our rescue in isolated, special moments; He supports us in every moment of our lives.

*Without God and the support of the faith community, we cannot endure the trials of life, but through His grace, we can turn our deepest tragedies into a source of help for others.*