Penetrating to the core of our visible history (Habakkuk 3:17-19)

‘Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.’ (Habakkuk 3:17-19)
 
Even during suffering and loss, we can trust God. That trust brings joy, not in circumstances, but in God himself. Prophet Habakkuk learnt to trust God despite all the moral and historical ‘chaos’ caused by the sins of his nation. Habakkuk models for us how profoundly the Eucharistic Adoration is underlain by hope. The Eucharist which we receive in the Holy Communion and contemplate in the Eucharistic Adoration is a powerful reminder of Habakkuk’s joy. Adoring the Sacred Presence is not ‘an outdated ritual’. When we see the exposed Host, we learn to penetrate into the joyful core of human history. This capacity to rejoice is the hallmark of being a Christian. ‘Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation’. The Eucharistic adoration is exactly this very same witness.

Saint Paul’s letter adds something more to this in terms of praxis. To be able to rejoice despite all the odds that our derailed history produces – we also must learn to serve, despite the odds. The vision of Christian joy is always born from serving the community. When we are able to prioritize the needs of our local Church.

 
24.01.2017