Summary: Wars and rumors of wars proliferate around the world. Nations, tribes, gangs, ideologues kill each other for the love of money, for the love of power, for the love of revenge, for the love of violence, for the love of God (God help us). The way to make any drop of difference at all seems not only unclear but impossible. But our God says to us, "blessed are the peacemakers." (Mt 5:9) "Lord, increase our faith!" Refugees and immigrants, displaced by terrorism and poverty, wander the earth and seas looking for safety, an open door, a compassionate welcome. The sheer numbers and depth of suffering and need are overwhelming; the opposition to making space for them is like an insurmountable wall. And our God says, "I was a stranger and you welcomed me." (Mt 25:35) "Lord, increase our faith!" Drug and alcohol abuse withers bodies and breaks relationships leading to despair, destitution, and sometimes terrible violence. The cycles of abuse seem to hold people captive with greater power than any treatment we can devise. But our God says to us, "I give you power and authority over all demons, to cure diseases, to proclaim the Kingdom of God, and to heal." (Lk 9:1-2) "Lord, increase our faith!" The depth and breadth of poverty and hunger not only in faraway places but right here in the United States is a shock and disgrace. And we wonder, "where will we get enough food to feed all these people?" And God says, "bring your five loaves and two fish and feed the people." "Lord, increase our faith!"
