One of my favorite movies is called The Song of Bernadette. The film chronicles part of Bernadette Soubirous’ life and the visions she saw that led to her becoming a saint. St. Bernadette’s visions led to the founding of the shrine at Lourdes. During the opening credits of the film these words are displayed: “For those who believe in God, no explanation is necessary. For those who do not believe in God, no explanation is possible.” What follows is a film crafted around those who believe and support Bernadette along with those who try to discredit her visions and miracles which occurred at the pool of Lourdes.
The film premiered during World War II. It’s possible that it was released at the time in order to give people hope about what they were experiencing in their lives. It is a wonderful testimony of faith. I can’t say how many times I think about the words which introduce the movie. Those words have inspired me as I have witnessed miracles in my life and the lives of friends and family.
We are living in a time when our faith is being tested as never before. We are learning new ways to be in relationship with one another. We are experiencing what it means to be part of worship in new ways. We are casting new visions as we seek to fulfill the Great Commission. We are asking questions of ourselves and one another as we begin to plant seeds for the future. And each time I reflect on what’s unfolding in our nation and around the world, I think of the words from this film. I can’t explain what is happening, or more importantly why. I will not speculate about what the events may mean for our future.
Instead, I offer these words from Psalm 27:13-14 to help us during this time.
I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord;
be strong, and let your heart take courage;
wait for the Lord!
And Amen.