Good human relationships build on the foundation of trust. A quote printed recently on trust read, \u2018To be trusted is a greater compliment than being loved.\u2019 Trust once broken is difficult to re-establish. With God, all things are possible because God loves unconditionally. The ability to trust does not happen automatically in a relationship. Trust demands loyalty, compassion, dialogue and integrity.<\/p>\n
The readings proclaimed at Mass today tell of a variety of individuals\u2019 trust in God and God\u2019s presence. In the Book of Genesis (Gen 28: 10-22) the assembly hears how Jacob was on a journey from Beersheba to Haran. Night came and Jacob lay down where he took a stone for a pillow. He had a dream about a ladder standing on the ground and reaching to heaven. The angels of God were going up and down the ladder. God spoke to Jacob in the dream. God revealed Godself to Jacob, made a promise to him and assured him of his presence and protection. When Jacob woke, he recognised and acknowledged God\u2019s presence as he said, \u2018Truly the Lord is in this place and I never knew it.\u2019 Jacob wished to honour God in the \u2018awe inspiring place\u2019 and took the stone he used as a pillow and set it up as a monument to God. \u00a0\u00a0Then Jacob made a vow to God.<\/p>\n
Jacob was \u2018open to God\u2019s humble and hidden presence\u2019 as Pope Francis asked God\u2019s people to be in his address at the Angelus on Sunday 4th<\/sup> July 2021, in the Vatican. That remark of Jacob deserves reflection, \u2018Truly the Lord is in this place and I never knew it.\u2019 Do I recognise that God\u2019s omnipresence in my life?<\/p>\n The psalmist proclaims his trust in God in Psalm 90: 1-4, 14-15). The assembly at Mass respond with one voice and heart to the verses of the psalm saying, \u2018My God, in you I trust.\u2019<\/p>\n The Gospel also proclaims Jairus\u2019 trust in Jesus as he asks Jesus to heal his daughter. God\u2019s people also hear about the woman who had a haemorrhage and her faith in Jesus led Jesus to restore her to health.<\/p>\n These Scripture passages give those who hear God\u2019s word courage to trust and have faith in God. These are stories of love and trust and they help those who read the word to reflect on his\/her relationships with family, friends and God. It is good to ponder on what God might be saying in the events and encounters of one\u2019s life. God assures us in prayer of his trust and love.<\/p>\n Today the Church celebrates the feast of St Anthony Zaccaria (1502 -1539). He was born in Cremona in Lombardy. He practised medicine for some time and as a doctor spoke to his patients about spiritual matters. Later he was ordained a priest. He taught children catechism and led the youth in their formation in faith. \u00a0He worked for the reform of the clergy and the evangelisation of all. He formed the Clerks Regular of St Paul, later known as the Barnabites. Pope Benedict XVI acknowledged the efforts St Anthony Zaccaria made to evangelise the people of his time because of his true zeal and lively faith.<\/p>\n