Wednesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
The Epistle to the Hebrews offers encouragement to those who are undergoing trials. “Treat your trials as discipline… Strengthen your drooping hands and your weak knees…” Jesus underwent a trial of disappointment in His native place. He came home and no one listened to His word. He was “amazed at their lack of faith.” Jesus still persevered in His mission. He kept His ministry of service going despite this disappointment.
Two good takeaways from all this are patience and perseverance. These themes are mentioned frequently in monastic life. One needs the patience to endure trials and live out the life one has vowed to live. Perseverance means one will endure regardless of the price. Patience is the first step. Perseverance builds off of it. They work closely together like a Foxtrot. These complimentary virtues work step-in-step to bring a good soul through the trials which come in life. So it can be said definitively that life demands patience and perseverance. They are invaluable for monastic life. They are necessary parts of Christian life for anyone.
Reflection: Are you ready to take patience and perseverance as your tools for life? Jesus did exactly this.
Reflection by Br. Matthew Marie, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections