Second Sunday of Easter
May 1, 2011

We Are What We Believe
by Tom Cox

Its Mayday for some, the traditional distress call, which comes from
the French “M’Aidez” for “Help Me.” It’s not the best French
grammar-but the sense of urgency is clear. Appropriate don’t you think
on a day for our Thomas like world? We’re at times absent like he was
on the first Easter day, cut off from the very best aspects of our
humanity and self, from what is most noble and true. In what and in
whom do we put our trust? Traditionally it is “In God we trust” –
emblazoned on US currency by law since 1955 and in common practice for
years before that. It’s the official motto of those two political
opposites the United States and Nicaragua. Sometimes God can be the
uniting force in a world where everything, including politics,
divides.
	
Today was when Thomas gave out his own “mayday” call. There comes a
time in any life to receive, to give up the illusion of independence
and, in this case, receive the Lord. Thomas seems to be a
self-sufficient man. Able to work things out for himself, to process
the information and make a judgement. Capable but not a happy or
contented man it appears.

Apart from international distress calls of Mayday, In the Celtic world
today is Bealtaine. The traditional mid-point between the spring
equinox and the summer solstice. In some parts of the Celtic world, a
May Bush is erected. A blackthorn, whitethorn, rowan or furze bush is
put up, decorated with ribbons, sometimes a garland or decorated egg
shells. Tradition had it that people wash in the may dew. It was
widely believed to improve the complexion. May dew was also believed
to cure sore eyes.

What do your world weary eyes need relief from? The incessant parade
of hopelessness. The “I cannots” of this world. There was a time when
people used to confess doubt as a sin. Not so now. If the past was an
age of faith, ours is an age of doubt. Doubt, while not bad in itself,
can be toxic. We know that doubt in a relationship can spell doom.
Doubt can (if let) overwhelm faith.  What we need is to trust that
there is something greater, brighter, more pure, true, just, loving
and timeless than our doubts. As splendid and undeserved as the love
of another human being for you- how much more the Father’s love. Just
be present to it today and receive.

 “doubt no longer but believe.” [gospel]

(Comment to Tom at tomasmacconchoille@googlemail.com.)