Determined to Follow Jesus
Sponsored
Catholic365 is sponsored by
Road to Purity
“The Church throughout all Judea, Galilee and Samaria was at peace. It was being built up and walked in the fear of the Lord, and with the consolation of the Holy Spirit it grew in numbers.” Acts 9: 31
When I think about the early Church, I usually picture Christians dying for their faith by very violent means—beheading, crucifixions, and being burnt alive. However, when I read that the Church was at peace, it helps me to grasp that the early Church went through times of horrible desolation but also times of consolation from the Holy Spirit.
It is the same with each of us. Sometimes we go through very difficult times filled with desolation and we can't seem to see any light at the end of the tunnel accept an oncoming freight train. Then we seem to pass through this time of desolation and enter into a new springtime of consolation.
Looking back on my life during the times of deep desolation and grief, I just had to hang on to Jesus with all I had in me. Sometimes the deep sorrow was beyond words and I would just say a simple whisper—'help me Jesus.' Then as put one foot in front of the other and trudged forward day by day, I began to see glimpses of sunshine and hope. After this dark period, consolation entered into my heart. And the words sprang forth from within me, 'He makes everything new again. His mercy is new every morning.'
It is during the most difficult times is when I cling to Jesus Christ, my Anchor and my Rock. I place my trust in Jesus and know this time of darkness will pass.
I grow the most in my faith walk during the times of desolation but I rejoice with God my Savior in the times of joyful consolation and rest.
We each grow in times of desolation and in times of consolation. I think the early Church was given peaceful times to prepare for the tough times that would come.
When we can receive Jesus in Holy Communion and spend time in adoration before the tabernacle, Jesus is giving us all that we need to face the times of desolation and to rejoice and be glad in times of consolation.
Reflection:
Jesus my God and my Savior, I know you are with me in the good times and in the dark times. Help me to place my trust in you each day.
Connie Beckman resides in Helena Montana with her husband and their dog Chewie and their two cats Heidi and Bailey. A number of years ago, she was the editor and feature story writer for a small bi-weekly newspaper. Connie has been published in a number of Catholic magazines. Margaret Ann Stimatz, Ruth Lloyd, and Connie co-authored a 40-day-reflection booklet entitled: Mercy for Little Souls which contains tidbits about the late Father Stu Long's powerful ministry with quotes from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska: Divine Mercy In My Soul. Mercy for Little Souls is available at Beyond.227.org. Her desire as a writer is to encourage Catholic spiritual growth by sharing the truths of the faith through the written word addressing a variety of subjects. "Go out to all the world and tell the good news." Mark 16:15.
