Persist

“God will not allow you to be lost if you persist in your determination not to lose Him.” St. Padre Pio

Recently, I had to make some tough decisions. They were not easy, and I was reminded by friends that only prayer can help when trying to make a decision. My experience at work has been worthwhile lately. I received many compliments on my performance and monetary help. However, there are always challenges. Even people around me seem to have struggles and I must be strong for them. Recently, my priest friend was assigned to a new parish which is falling apart. It is not so easy to be there but some families, out of the blue have older children and asked to have their children baptized. He asked me if I could help him, but he had asked in a very discreet way thinking I would say no. He was quite relieved when I obliged. We need to be ready to help others.

“Rest assured, the more you progress in love of neighbour, the more your love of God will increase.” St. Teresa of Avila

I cannot seem to get this saint out of my mind. Each time I read about her it astonishes me. Blessed Alexandrina Maria da Costa in Portugal jumped from a window to get away from a would-be assassin. She spent her life with a broken body yet still ministered to others. St. Damien of Molokai was from rural Belgium but found himself running a leper colony in Hawaii. Chaos, poor conditions and rampant problems did not stop him. He never gave up. His determination helped those around him despite contracting the disease himself. Remarkable people we can look at. We all need someone to look at. In Canada, St. Andre Bessette was considered slow and unable to be a priest. Yet, despite the obstacles dreamed of building the Oratory in Montreal. And that is what he did. He never let his inabilities and limitations prevent him. There are so many saints such as these and we need to follow them and try to understand who they are and were.

“Remember that the Christian life is one of action: not of speech and daydreams. Let there be few words and many deeds and let them be done well.” St. Vincent Pallotti

I am always in awe of people who can live their lives with such determination in the face of difficulty. Obstacles are no match for those who have faith in God. I find that I can give up so easily and surrender to fatigue and weariness. But the Christian cannot. We must continue forward, carrying the armour of Christ. It is Canadian Thanksgiving this weekend. What are we thankful for? I am not so sure sometimes. Let us continue to be determined to be faithful servants of Christ.

“There is only one thing to be feared and that is sin. Everything else is beside the point.” St. John Chrysostom