Strength of the Altar

Two nights ago tornadoes made their way through Missouri and Illinois.  About 100 miles from Cape in a small town there was a church that was destroyed.  From WPSD:

In nearby Ridgway, Illinois, damage included the 200-year-old St. Joseph's Catholic Church, which was heavily damaged during the storms.

Apparently this was one of, if not the, oldest Catholic church in Illinois.  But all was not lost - look closely at this picture:

The high altar containing the tabernacle can be seen still standing in the center-left of the picture.  I assume the Blessed Sacrament was, therefore, unharmed. 

Even amidst destruction, pain and sorrow - all is never lost.  Even when we sin - all is never lost.  Even when we feel forgotten - all is never lost.  Even when we are overwhelmed - all is never lost.  Even when the weight seems like more than we can carry - all is never lost.  Why?  Because God always IS.   No matter what is going on in your life the truth is that you are loved by God and you have a purpose.  Original sin messed things up, but it didn't mess it up completely.  Although we have experienced corruption, we are still intrinsically good and Jesus Christ came to cleanse us of the stains we have accumulated through sin. 

Looking at the photo it's easy to focus on all the destruction that is present, but God wants us to focus on the unharmed altar and tabernacle - there is a reason for our hope and his name is Jesus.