From the Jesuits…

Building Up

It is so much easier to destroy than to create. The recent terrorist attacks around the world testify to this. As we lament the horror of destruction, we would do well to remember our call to be co-creators of the world with God. As we reflect on the apocalyptic literature in Scripture, which reminds us of how unreliable our human-made structures can be, let us pray for the courage and perseverance to build up in the face of so much tearing-down.

What part of me can I hold out to God for more upbuilding? What part of the world around me can I build up?

—Michael Lamanna, S.J.

Prayer

It helps, now and then, to step back and take the long view.
The Kingdom is not only beyond our efforts;
It is beyond our vision.
We accomplish in our lifetime only a tiny fraction
of the magnificent enterprise that is the Lord’s work. . .
We may never see the end results,
but that is the difference between the Master Builder
and the worker.
We are workers, but not master builders. . .
ministers, not messiahs.
We are prophets of a future that is not our own.

—Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador

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