When the Heart Wavers, Grace Holds

This week, I found myself nearly overcome by hopelessness, troubled by the relentless news of wars, violence, oppression, conflict, and injustice caused by our own human hands. In that heaviness, the voices of two theologians spoke across time into this present moment, offering a clarity and hope I needed to hear. I now offer their words to you.

“Despite centuries of sin and injustice... the human race can still recover and produce people who overcome evil with good, hatred with love, greed with charity. How could this be possible without the merciful love of God pouring out His grace upon us?”

— Thomas Merton, The Seven Storey Mountain

“Sometimes a wave of light breaks into our darkness, and it is as though a voice were saying: ‘You are accepted… by that which is greater than you... Simply accept the fact that you are accepted.’ If that happens to us, we experience grace.”

— Paul Tillich, “You Are Accepted”

Reflective Question:

Where in your life have you experienced this quiet grace—when light broke into the darkness, not through your effort, but through God's mercy?

Prayer:

God of mercy and light,

When the world feels too broken to bear,

when our hearts grow weary and dim,

remind us of your grace that still flows, still heals, still accepts.

May your voice speak louder than despair,

and may we learn to trust the love that will not let us go. Amen.

In God’s grace,

Rev. JongWook Hong

P.S. If you would like to read the full quotes from Merton and Tillich, feel free to email me. I'd be happy to share them with you.