A week ago we experienced a vivid reminder of “strong winds” during the Mass Pope Francis celebrated in Tacloban in the Philippines. (This is the same area hard hit by typhoon Yolanda in Nov. 2013.) Wearing a plastic poncho over his vestments, the pope still wasn’t shielded from the strong winds and heavy rain that came at him sideways throughout the Mass. It was really a bit of a “holy mess.”
The Holy Father remained serene throughout the Mass; his strong faith and focus gave energy to the crowds who sang and prayed with gusto…even as they wiped away the insistent raindrops.
What strong winds and rain are drenching my spirit these days? How does Jesus help me to “be still,” to find both faith and focus as I go about my daily duties?
—The Jesuit Prayer Team