Endurance

What is Jesus showing us? What is it that St. Paul talks about? What is endurance? The dictionary definition is “the fact or power of enduring an unpleasant or difficult process or situation without giving way.”

Looking at scripture, Jesus teaches us that if the world hates him, it will hate us as well. By trying to live a virtuous life in the modern world takes lots of courage and endurance. In these difficult times we need to be strong like soldiers. I met with someone the other day and he said to me, “Thursday was difficult but I got through it, just barely and I was happy to be smooth sailing again.” With that comment, I asked, “Do you expect life to be smooth sailing?” He replied “Yes, isn’t it suppose to be?” I said, “No, it’s in the difficulty that you utilize your virtues. If you have it easy all the time, when something bad happens or your get overwhelmed, you cannot handle it because you are not conditioned.” Again, I emphasize, you need to be like a soldier. When he thought about what I said, he recalled reading about a soldier in World War II who said it was one of the most excruciating and difficult times of his life. When the soldier came back to the states he became very successful in his dealings with others, and his career because of the training he received. Being a soldier in Christ and following Jesus, your commander in chief prepares you for the difficult life ahead. Please re-read the gospel of Matthew chapter 10.

Upon reflecting on it you see how Jesus explains your orders. This is God’s will and we need to obey it. When you are walking the narrow path, you will feel his peace within, which gives you great joy and comfort.