Some decades ago, posters with sayings were very popular, and one in particular was brilliant: “God Made Me. God Doesn’t Make Junk.”
That little, uplifting message is, I think, something that could hearten young and old nowadays as our society becomes more and more competitive and impersonal. The world is not a friendly place for many people, no matter their age or income.
This little saying is a reminder of what our human eyes cannot see — that each person is someone unique, never seen before and who will never be duplicated.
Not only our eyes, but also our limited brains fog over when they are presented with more than a handful of people. Our minds just work that way. They categorize everything, not just people, to make it easier — and possible — for us to negotiate through all that comes our way.
Although an interesting tree set apart from others might register in our consciousness as we go by, the rest of the forest becomes a single entity. Unless we have time to watch and pay attention, we miss the tiny personalities of the wild birds and critters in our backyards.
Hopefully at least we manage to know and appreciate the members of our immediate families, but that is far from a given. The “alone in a crowd” feeling can happen as we grow past childhood into new interests that may not be comprehended by family members. Friends who hold some of those same interests become important. Then we learn that friendships are often more fluid than stable. And so, most people are something of a mystery to us. At times we even puzzle ourselves.
We are blessed these days if we have deep knowledge of the existence of God. The realization that there is someone who designed us, sustains us at every moment and has a plan for us helps us rise again when we are smacked down by the world. Without God as our touchstone, we are vulnerable to despair in a society that values the trappings of life, but not life itself.
Some folks make huge efforts to look young, get rich or find professional success and fulfillment. But none of those goals can be attained forever. Fortunately, times of overwhelming reality can be moments of grace where we, perhaps for the first time, start taking God seriously. But so many people these days have so seldom heard substantial news of God, their questions for Him are not necessarily directed to Him.
It is so important at this time in this society for people of faith to live their faith with gusto. We need to pray more, give of our time, talents and treasure in new ways, and learn more about Jesus, His Father and the help provided by the Holy Spirit.
We need to take advantage of all that our Church offers, particularly of the sacraments and the saints. The saints inspire us, and the sacraments can make those inspirations possible.
The challenge is before us. Each of us in large and small ways can make a difference. God does not make junk, and He can work through the oldest, the youngest, the most and the least able and talented. He has a plan, and if we open our hearts to Him in prayer, we will receive guidance and assistance.
The harvest is abundant. Every time someone becomes aware of the stupidity inherent to the secular worldview, they are ripe for the new hope that comes from encountering God.
Every bit of love we extend out to others — a smile, nod, door held or space made for another — communicates to them their inherent, God-given worth. Those bits of hope and insight can be used by God in ways we may not know.
As believers, we recognize each person is treasured by God. Our minds may not comprehend it, but we can act in that faith-filled knowledge nonetheless.
God made you and me. God made each person, and each is loved by Him. We have purpose. He has dreams for us and knows our capacity for Him ... and for His love.
Sacraments and saints are gifts to us. Let us make good use of them, and rock our sad world right out of its despair!