12th Sunday of the year Year A

One day, a child asked his father, "How can I overcome hardship and find joy?" The father gently replied, "A ship that stays on shore is already safe, but that's not the purpose of ships."

The father is trying to tell his child the fact that "storms are always there."

When we decide to step out into the vast ocean of life, the storm is already there. The storms of life are not intended to harm us. Whatever storms life brings, they elevate us to a more dignified level of life. Isn't it when we are tossed about by the storms of life that God's love shines brightest? God often shows his love for us by arranging extremely unpleasant situations.

The life we complain about every day may be a dream for some. The source of human suffering is greedy desire. If we don't get what we want, we suffer. But if we do get it, we also suffer, fearing loss. Suffering is God's way of making us better human beings. Anyone who internally accepts suffering becomes more mature, understands the sorrow of others, lives in accordance with God's will, and becomes more human. Suffering is a lesson.

This year marks the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Catholic Ehomachi Church. Let's consider this parish as a mother. A mother remains beautiful even in old age because she continues to give something to her children. A mother's heart is to give, give, give. That is why a mother remains beautiful even in old age.

This parish has continuously given many good things to those of us who are here. It will continue to give to us as always.

Now, what can we offer to this parish? This parish expects nothing from us, but please remember that this parish is our "home" and "place to return to." If you are in trouble, if you are tossed about by life with no way out, if you are weary of life's journey, if you feel unwanted, please come and spend even a second in this sanctuary. Please remember that the doors of the church are always open for us. This parish is a comfort in the heat of life.
"Do not be afraid,"
today's Gospel reads.
God does not always give us blue skies or beautiful flowers. God has never promised that the sun will always shine brightly. But just as God lets seagulls fly away after a storm, and makes a beautiful rainbow shine after the rain, let us remember that He gives us smiles in our tears, hope in our despair, and listens to our prayers as we embark on this week's journey.