Wednesday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
We often only come to appreciate our trials some time after the experience, when we can see the fruit that they produced. It is like athletes who challenge their bodies to run faster, jump higher, endure longer, or lift more. They experience pain in the moment, knowing that it will help them in the long run. No pain, no gain.
The same is true for our faith. If no one ever challenges our faith, how strong can it actually be? Jesus promised us persecutions. He even said that we are blessed when we are persecuted for his sake. These persecutions can strengthen our resolve and purify our hearts to seek only the Lord. We may suffer rejection and abuse from those who do not know Christ, but these only unite us more to him, for he also suffered rejection and abuse for our sake and emerged victorious over death itself. May we, too, embrace our trials as sharing in his Passion so that we might also share in his Resurrection.
Reflection by Fr. Victor Schinstock, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections