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Why do we have to die? Where does death come from, anyway? We know that death is a fact of life, but in today’s readings, we are told that “God did not make death.” It entered the world through the instigation of the devil, who deceived our first parents into disobeying God’s commandment. Death is a punishment for original sin. But the Lord Jesus shows his power over life and death, as we see in today’s gospel.

This is basically Job’s plaint to God, and it is also uttered by Jesus’ disciples as well. Many people, even many Christians, who are undergoing severe trials, have at least been tempted to ask this. Today’s readings tell us that God is Lord of wind and sea, and indeed he does show us his care in countless ways.

Growth is a fact of life. Seeds are planted, take root, and grow. The readings and Responsorial Psalm talk about trees – those trees that bear fruit and gather the birds of the sky in their branches. As we once again start celebrating Sundays in Ordinary Time, we concentrate on the growth of God’s kingdom, both within our hearts and in the world at large.

The origin of this feast goes back to the 13th century, which some Church historians have called “the greatest of all centuries” because it was such an “age of faith.” Through the efforts of many people, especially St. Juliana de Cornillon and St. Thomas Aquinas, this solemnity was instituted for the whole Church by Pope Urban IV in 1264. The Eucharist is honored, of course, on Holy Thursday. But because that day also commemorates other events connected with the sufferings and death of the Lord, another feast was needed to give more focus to the Blessed Sacrament.

You are well aware of this question about how you see the glass – is it half-empty or half-full? In other words, are you an optimist or a pessimist? I remember discussing this topic with a priest when I was in my teens – a very long time ago! This priest said that he was, by temperament and personality, inclined to be a pessimist. However, he indicated that he had become, as he put it, “an optimist by conviction,” based on Romans 8:28-39.