Scripture:
Daniel 5:1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-28
Luke 21:12-19
Reflection:
They will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name.
-Luke 21:12
How many times in your life have you had to be patient and persevere through challenges as you practice your Christian lifestyle? Jesus tells us that to follow him is not an easy task – but He and only He will give you the wisdom and gifts necessary to sustain you as you experience all that comes before you. We know that not everyone will be a friend to you, not everyone will accept or understand what our faith entails, what sacrifice and humility mean to those who follow Christ. But I know that every path He leads me to, every painful event and every joyful event, every obstacle and every clear path, prepares and leads me to the next chapter of my experiences as a Christian.
Some of us watch as family members leave the church, and for a multitude of reasons. As a convert, my heart aches for those who have been given this beautiful gift of Catholic experiences of faith, because I had nothing growing up – no church experience with the family, no bible studies or beautiful rosaries. Being Catholic takes work – reading, studying, prayer, dedication, PERSEVERANCE.
Continue to persevere in your faith. Yes, there will be challenges. Will it be easy? Of course not – as a child of God many events in our lives will not be easy. But we are never alone – the presence of Christ is always with us, whether we want to believe it or not. He is our rock and fortress – our shield.
Patty Masson resides in Houston, Texas.