How's That Again?

Following the Battle of Waterloo, a ship off the south coast of England began to relay to London the news of Napoleon's defeat. A dense fog settled in just as the first two words of the sempahore were decoded from the top of Winchester Cathedral: "Wellington defeated..." All Londonders were heart-broken -- until the fog lifted and the sentence became fully visible: "Wellington defeated the enemy!"

Frequently our discouragement comes from not really listening to the constant messages the Lord sends to us. We must truly listen with our hearts ---and keep listening until his entire message gets through, whatever way it is communicated. "My sheep listen to my voice," said Jesus - and his voice is uttered in may ways: through our conscience, through the Church, through the good example of others, or through a gentle inspiration of grace.

Jesus is always there to guide and support us. "He is able to help those who are being tempted" (Heb 2:18). This is especially true when we're tempted to discouragement during trials and hardships, when it seems the Lord has forgotten us. He is there! He is always there, even when we're asleep and not thinking of him (see Psal 139:18). Whenever we are discouraged, we can be sure that we lack awareness of his loving presence and guiding support.

This excerpt is from the book One-Minute Meditations for Busy People, by John H. Hampsch, C.M.F., originally published by Servant Publications. It and other of Fr. Hampsch's books and audio/video recordings can be purchased from Claretian Teaching Ministry, 20610 Manhattan Pl, #120, Torrance, CA 90501-1863. Phone 1-310-782-6408 or www.Catholicbooks.net