By ZOE CANNON
GRATITUDE FOR THE GIFT OF FAITH
“Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers: all good giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no alteration or shadow caused by change” (James 1:16-17).
We are almost half way through Lent. Overcoming temptation during our journey is challenging. How do you handle those weak moments of temptation, and what is your plan to stay faithful? Jesus used the Word of God the Father when the devil tempted Him in the desert.
These words from St. Josemaria Escriva are perfect for Lent – actually for everyday life. “Lent should suggest to us these basic questions: Am I advancing in my faithfulness to Christ, in my desire for holiness, in a generous apostolate in my daily life, in my ordinary work among colleagues?”
I decided to read the Letters of St. Paul during the six weeks of Lent. The message in all the Pauline Epistles outlines the responsibilities and hardships of living as a true Christian. Paul reflects on the sin of Adam in the light of the redemptive mystery of Christ. In each letter he gives thanks to God through Jesus Christ and reminds people that their faith is a witness to the world. Paul also identifies God as his witness, and his power to serve is a gift from the Holy Spirit!
In Romans 1:18-32, Paul reminds us that there is punishment for those who suppress truth by their wickedness. Unfortunately, we do not talk enough about sin as a reason for the destruction in our culture. We are witnessing a spiritual battle; the devil and our own flesh are at war. The irrational behavior exhibited in our society tells us that the devil has overplayed his hand. Paul challenged the Romans by asking: are you a guide for the blind and a light for those in darkness, a trainer of the foolish, and a teacher of the simple? And then he said to them, you have the formulation of knowledge and truth, but you who teach another – are you failing to teach yourself?
The Sacrament of Reconciliation blesses us with the grace to forgive when we fail – not just others, but ourselves. Forgiveness is an attribute of the strong; forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven you. This practice will serve you well in life!
I found a well-worn apron that my grandma wore when she was the housekeeper at St. John’s rectory in Vincennes during the 1970’s. She had a servant heart, and I was blessed to watch her faith lived out in this role. I attended early morning weekday Mass with her when I was in high school. After Mass, I would sit at her little kitchen table as she prepared breakfast for the priests.
My grandma became a widow at age 49 when her husband died from a sudden heart attack. There were many challenges with this change in her life. Her faith in God never waivered, and she often reminded me that the grace from daily Mass gave her strength. I am so grateful for everything she taught me about life and faith in God. Most often, it was not what she said, but her actions and how she lived her life.
“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord, Jesus Christ through whom we have gained access (by faith) to this grace in which we stand, and we boast in hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5:1-5).
Beautiful memories surfaced when I found this treasured apron. The garment grandma wore while serving others is a reminder of all things good. All good giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no alteration caused by change. Amen!