A bright spot for me during Acton University 2014 was the addition of music to our evenings. Amanda Vernon, a local musician, entertained us one evening then gave a lovely musical benediction the next. She had been touring the United States prior to Acton University, but was back in town in time to join us.
One of her songs was her own rendition of the spiritual classic, "I Shall Not Be Moved." Amanda's voice expresses what many of us hope for: a firm faith, one that outweathers anything life throws our way. But I know, both personally and pastorally, that most of us are like Peter on the Sea of Galilee: reaching out in faith, though sinking. We are overcome by crashing waves and our own weakness.
Recent world events shake our faith. It makes no sense that children should be driven from their homes, families forced to flee and then trapped with no food or water, or that a journalist loses his life in the most hideous way. Such evil shakes anyone's faith. We may think the events of today are the most brutal in humanity's history, but this is not true. We are a sinful people and evil has had a foothold in our world almost since the creation of man.
What can we do? We can labor every day to bring about God's Kingdom, amidst weakness and doubt. We can pray that God will continue to offer us opportunities to strengthen our faith. We can share our faith with those whom our lives touch. We must hold fast to the Word of God.
The law entered in so that transgression might increase but, where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through justification for eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. —Romans 5:20-21
We must remind ourselves and each other every day: I shall not be moved. Thank you for your generous support of the Acton Institute and helping us to promote a free and virtuous society.
Sincerely,
Rev. Robert Sirico, President
