Yesterday we celebrated a profound milestone: the 10th
anniversary of Laudato Si’. When the late Pope Francis released this prophetic
encyclical in 2015, he invited the entire world to hear the cry of the Earth
and the cry of the poor—and to respond with courage, care, and community. Today,
that response is alive in each of us. Across the globe, participants of the
Laudato Si’ Action Platform have taken bold, creative steps to live out the
Laudato Si’ Goals. We need to continue the response each day.
Today we celebrate the Sixth Sunday of Easter. The time
since Easter Sunday has simply flown by and tomorrow, we commemorate Memorial
Day. The readings we have listened to during these days have had a common theme,
Jesus offers his disciples peace and tells them, “Do not let your heart be
troubled or afraid.” As I prayed with this Gospel the song Come As You Are came
to mind. It is a simple melody with a most profound message.
Come as you are, that’s how I want you
Come as you are, feel quite at home
Close to my heart, loved and forgiven
Come as you are, why stand alone?
No need to fear, love sets no limits
No need to fear, love never ends
Don’t run away, shamed and disheartened
Rest in my love, trust me again
I came to call sinners, not just the virtuous
I came to bring peace, not to condemn
Each time you fail, to live by my promise
Why do you think, I’d love you the less?
Come as you are, that’s how I love you
Come as you are, trust me again
Nothing can change, the love that I bear you
All will be well, just come as you are.
© Deidre Browne
Our loving God invites us to trust and have hope. We need
to remember that our God is always with us. When we are fearful that is an
opportunity for our God to draw near to us and give us God’s love and peace. We
are never alone; God invites us to always come as we are and to remember that
we are loved.