Living in a world surrounded with rapid changes, global warming, unimaginable violence, aggression rooted in racism and religious bigotry, economic and financial woes and uncertainty - don't we sometimes wonder how we are going to live through such times?

In our daily living, we are not exempted, as Catholics, from living the "real human life", shielded from experiencing anxiety and fear. So, what shall we do?

We need to remember that "God is for us a refuge and strength, a helper close at hand, in time of distress" (v 1). As our Refuge, God will be there for us when the "bombs" fall. As our Strength, God will strengthen us when we feel we are too weak to meet the demands of the day. As our Helper, God will be with us in our helplessness and help us - especially when things go terribly wrong. So, whether it's an "earthquake" or a "tsunami" in our lives - in such times of distress, just remember "the Lord of hosts", i.e. "the Lord Almighty" - "is with us" (v 7). Not only is God with us, God is our "stronghold", i.e. our "fortress" (v 7). Therefore, God will not allow anything to disturb us that will take away the peace that God gives.

Today, we commemorate the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica (the cathedral of the bishop of Rome, the Pope). In remembering this dedication, we remember the communion of the Roman Catholic Church - that together, we are the Church.