June 26, 2009
The Second Half
On the road
BY DEACON JIM AND ANN CAVERA
Last weekend we spent a good deal of time on the road driving to attend a wedding in Indianapolis. Along the way a series of unexpected encounters got us to thinking about life in general.
At our first rest stop we shared space with a Muslim family. They all wore traditional dress that included the women wearing burkas with only their eyes left visible. A bumper sticker on another nearby car said, “My son fights for your freedom.” We drove away behind a small SUV with the words “Ain’t Skeered” written across the back windshield.
A couple of miles later we found ourselves behind a large truck. Painted across the back doors was a picture of a fat, bald man holding cash in both hands. Above the man were the words “Follow me to the nearest bingo hall.”
We passed by another rest stop where two police cruisers had flashers going. A shirtless man in handcuffs sat on the ground. Less than 100 feet farther down the road someone had erected a large wooden sign with the warning: “Avoid Hell. Repent. Trust Jesus Today.”
We wondered about the Muslim family: mom, dad and children who chose to proclaim their heritage and faith here in the Midwest where so many families have military sons and daughters. Wouldn’t it have been easier to travel in jeans and t-shirts instead? Maybe the “Ain’t Skeered” on another vehicle could have been appropriately written across both the Muslim and the military windshields as well.
If the situation were reversed, would we be willing to risk displaying a cross in Muslim territory? Or, knowing our son or daughter was in harm’s way, could we trust enough to God’s providence to still say, “Ain’t Skeered?” Instead, too many of us are willing to drive quickly down the road, sometimes behind whatever promises easy gain.
Most of us are peaceful people, wanting whenever possible to avoid trouble. How often have we sped past anything that looks unpleasant, trying not to get involved? Finally, we paid little attention to the large wooden sign by the side of the road because (a) we already hope to avoid Hell; (b) we try to keep our souls in good repair. But then, the third part did cause us to reflect. “Trust Jesus Today” is the part we struggle to deal with on a daily basis.
The words “Trust Jesus, Today” also sum up the struggle in this Sunday’s Gospel. Jesus was being followed by a crowd of onlookers, anxious to see what would happen when Jairus fell at the feet of Jesus and begged for his daughter to be healed. What would people think of a synagogue official humiliating himself by begging for help from an itinerate preacher? Jairus didn’t care. When a child’s life is at stake, a parent will do anything without worrying much about what other people think. “Do not be afraid; just have faith.” Even when word came of the child’s death, Jairus pinned his hopes on Jesus words, “Do not be afraid; just have faith.” That’s the part of the Gospel that gives most of us trouble.
Whether we have difficulty proclaiming our faith, worry about children in harm’s way, face unexpected illness or untimely loss, it’s good to remember we are on the road with Christ. The words “Do not be afraid; just have faith” put us in the company of the “Ain’t Skeered.” Who knows what’s on the road up ahead?
Deacon Jim and Ann Cavera are former residents of Evansville; their award-winning column is a regular feature of the Message. Contact them at www.catholicseniorspirit.com.