Safety and Security, Prayer and Trust

To the common person these words would seem to be, at a minimum, opposites.

As a country we are very self reliant. It comes from our immigrant roots. None of our families started out here in the United States. Some may have been here since the time of the pilgrims. Some may be new immigrants or second or third generation Americans.

No matter how far removed we are, we still have that immigrant, go-it-alone, get-it-done ethic. We are a nation of great pioneers. The last U.S. nickel I looked at honored Lewis and Clark. Pioneers, explorers, and national heroes surround us.

This terrible disaster which has befallen our country has brought out that pioneer spirit. We listen to those who, in the face of the disaster, wish to rebuild. They are shining examples of self assurance and a determined, resilient attitude.

Levees, flood walls, security systems, alarms, police, the government, guns, sprinklers, and a long list of other things can be purchased, paid for, installed, and relied upon, all in the name of safety and security, all in the name of self reliance. We are Americans and we can do it.

You and I have come here today to pray. An odd notion really, in the face of self reliance. Some people might look and say: —They’re asking an invisible man for help?—

But for us it is not a one-up event. Prayer and trust in God is our way of life. It is our safety and security. These are our roots. We love an honor our grandparents and great grandparents. They had courage and strength, even in the face of incredible odds. However, theirs was not a misplaced or self assured courage and strength. It was the courage and strength that came from prayer and trust. By prayer and through trust in God they always knew, no matter what, that they had safety and security.

This terrible disaster, which has befallen our country, has brought out faith, especially today. Of course there are those who question and doubt God. There are those who cannot see God because of hatred. There are even those who will pray today and forget God tomorrow. But the vast majority of us are turning to God today as we do every day. We turn, for a brief moment each day to pray and remember. It is right that we do it today. It is right that we do it every day. It is right that we tell everyone we know, and the whole world, that safety and security on human terms is fleeting. Safety and security through prayer and trust in God is everlasting.

In the 16th Chapter of the Gospel according to St. John Jesus says: —Behold, the hour is coming and has arrived when each of you will be scattered to his own home and you will leave me alone. But I am not alone, because the Father is with me. I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.”

Jesus trusted in the Father even in His darkest hour and reassured His disciples to have faith.

Let us collect ourselves and place our faith in God, today and everyday.