By Cathy Loh, Diocese of Palm Beach Director of Marriage, Family Life, Faith Formation and Youth Ministry
As the old song lyric goes, “I never promised you a rose garden.” Indeed, Jesus never promised that the Christian life would be a bed of roses, besides roses have thorns. Life is full of ups and downs, twists and turns, and hurdles, and following Jesus is no exception. Indeed, Jesus admonishes his disciples that they must pick up their cross and follow him (Matthew 16:24). At the end of John’s gospel (21:18), Jesus warns Peter that when he is old, he will be carried where he does not want to go.
Even Jesus’ own Mother experienced her share of sorrows. As prophesied by Simeon when Mary and Joseph presented Jesus in the temple: “…and a sword will pierce through your own soul also…” (Luke 2:35). That prophecy was fulfilled as Mary stood at the foot of the Cross, watching her only Son die the agonizing death of crucifixion after being brutally scourged.
Why would we expect our experience to be different? A quick reflection on my own life bears this out. The joys of growing as a disciple of Jesus Christ, and of married family life, educational accomplishments, career and ministry highlights, have been punctuated by the sorrows of loss, sickness, fears, trials, and disappointments. Currently, many of my colleagues are struggling to balance the challenges of caring for aging parents with the joys of becoming grandparents. Some are facing their own physical struggles and health scares while looking forward to freedom in retirement. There are many joys and sorrows in life. That is life as we know it.
How are we supposed to navigate life? Like the disciples on the Road to Emmaus, we need to allow Jesus to accompany us on our journey. There is one constant in life: Jesus Christ who promises to be with us until the end of the age (Matthew 28:20). This is a promise that we can absolutely rely on, to give us the hope, comfort, and courage to keep going. I often wonder how people who do not know or believe in Jesus Christ face the challenges of their lives. How do they avoid falling into despair? Thankfully, we who are disciples of Jesus Christ know that He is with us, that He can redeem all of our sufferings and bring a greater good out of them. That knowledge should give us hope and consolation.
During this month of October with the feasts of Divine Mercy and Our Lady of the Rosary, we are reminded of the power of prayer and invited to join Jesus and Mary in the heart of prayer. Of course, Jesus is also present to us in His Word, the Holy Scriptures, and in the sacraments, especially the Holy Eucharist. And where Jesus is, Mary is also. Thankfully, our Creator and Father, who knows us intimately, provides us with physical reminders of His presence, His love, and His mercy, so we can confidently face each day knowing that He is by our side.
Here’s What Scripture has to say…
1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 – Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Peter 5:7 – Cast all your anxieties on [God], for he cares for you.
Psalm 34:18 – The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
John 14:27 – Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
John 15:5 – I am the vine; you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.