The Diocese
Posted: 01/16/2025
As Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk launch their rockets and TikTok faces a potential shutdown in the US, our attention is pulled in many directions. Yet here in greater Los Angeles, we remain focused on the relentless wildfires that have raged for nine days, devastating communities and keeping us on high alert. Despite the heroic efforts of our firefighters and progress in containment, the threat remains.
Naturally, we feel shaken and question where stability or meaning can be found. Some of my friends have shared that disorientation, instability, and a sense of absence have been prevalent emotions these days. Frequently checking the Watch Duty app and scrolling through news headlines only adds to the overwhelm.
How do we find grounding, direction, and presence, especially in times when life feels most broken?
When disasters strike, grounding often comes from what we know to be true - the belief systems and values upheld in our culture, the love in our relationships, and the quiet assurance that we are not alone in our suffering. From a spiritual perspective, even when our faith is shaken, the image of a compassionate and self-sacrificing God reminds us that we do not carry our burdens alone.
Trauma disorients us, but small, meaningful actions - such as listening to people’s stories, offering comfort, or supporting one another - help us reorient ourselves.
When we experience great loss, it’s easy to get caught between grieving the past and fearing the uncertainty of the future. Yet healing begins when we focus on the present, in the “here and now.” Jesus modeled this beautifully, sitting with the grieving and caring for others. His presence reminds us that, even in pain, we are seen, heard, and loved.
As we move forward and try to attain normalcy, let’s remain steadfast in prayer and reflect on how we can stay grounded in faith, oriented toward hope, and present for one another.
