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The news was curt. It was not, however, unexpected. After ten years with the company in a struggling industry, I lost my job.
What can get us through the darkness? I admit, I first grappled with despair and fears about the future. As I heal from being laid off, I am finding hope and peace, knowing suffering is temporary. Most of all, I know God’s purpose for us is to be with him in heaven.
Today’s readings highlight the need to be vigilant about what matters: setting our sights on God and following his path to eternity. Hopelessness is useless because God won’t abandon us. He wants us to use our gifts, in our jobs and all aspects of our lives, as a way to help fulfill his will. And ultimately, the end times will come one day. Suffering will end for God’s children.
On this World Day of the Poor, we remember those who suffer and struggle to make ends meet. Let us give thanks to God for giving us the hope of heaven. With God, darkness won’t extinguish hope. We only have to follow the light of our faith. One day, that little light will lead us to a place where brightness in all its glory endures, and we will be united with God forever.