By Zoe Cannon
Gratitude for the Gift of Faith
“Beloved do not be surprised that a trial by fire is occurring among you, as if something strange were happening to you. But rejoice to the extent that you share in the sufferings of Christ so that when his glory is revealed you may also rejoice exultantly” (1 Peter 4:12-13).
The Apostles preached about the importance of aligning our suffering with Jesus so that we may enter into a deeper relationship with him. Lent reminds us of our individual need for grace. It is a time to keep alive a conscious desire to renew our baptismal promise through sacrifice and repentance, understanding this commitment is ongoing. Striving to live a virtuous life requires strength we cannot find on our own. The Holy Spirit is our helper!
When you ask God to give you a deeper faith, do you predetermine how God will act in your life in order to have faith, or do you exercise faith to see the mystery before you? Letting go and humbly accepting the unseen with ever-present faith is our responsibility. The discipline we offer during the 40 days of Lent prepares our hearts for the joy of Easter, growing in holiness of mind, body and spirit.
In Romans 5:19 we read about grace and life through Christ: “For just as through the disobedience of one person the many were made sinners, so through the obedience of one, many were made righteous.” The power of Adam’s sin gripped humanity but the redemptive mystery of Christ’s Passion proved that grace outshines the devastation of sin … where sin increased, grace overflowed.
“Concerning this gift of salvation, prophets prophesied about the grace that was to be yours … searched and investigated it … It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you through the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels longed to look” (1 Peter 1: 10).
The Sacrament of God created life in the beginning, and his salvific act of love offers life forever. What are you offering in return for these amazing gifts? Practicing the faith and worshipping God does not make life easier. St. James asks us to consider it all joy when we encounter trials for, we should know the testing of our faith produces perseverance. We will be tempted and we will sin; there will be division and we will fail to love. We know God’s mercy endures forever, but this does not give permission for moral laziness. As soldiers of Christ, we must seek maturity with knowledge, discernment and self-control. The purpose for our Lenten sacrifices!
My 10-year-old granddaughter told me that for Lent she was going to give up asking for things she knows she really doesn’t need. I believe and hope she is trying to seek maturity with discernment and self-control. The beautiful thing about our relationship with God is that he already knows what we need, and even in the midst of suffering he is with us! May you rejoice in knowing his glory will be revealed in the strange happenings around you because suffering is redemptive! Amen!