Grace Yields Endurance

A Reflection on the Second Reading for May 30th, 2021:
The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

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Romans
8.14-17

Brothers and sisters: All who are led by the Spirit of God are sons and daughters of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption to sonship. When we cry, “Abba! Father!” it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ — if in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.
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Pause. Pray.

And then read more...

As with any suffering, there are going to be seasons when we are overwhelmed. We’re past our breaking point. After enduring our heavy burden for so long, we stumble. We cry out. We look to God for freedom from our burden.


The entire world has been united in that cry at one point or another over the past year and a half. As a planet, we have endured hardship, both through the virus and the many means we’ve used to minimize the devastating impact of that virus. We’ve been asked to stay in our province, our county, and our homes where possible. The things that were so important for our mental, social, and physical health have been restricted, postponed, or even outright cancelled. Our exhaustion is understandable. We don’t have to look far to find another person experiencing the same burnout.


If nothing else, this season has reminded us that we’re really all in this together. Our actions impact one another. Our choices make the difference. And that impact may not just be on ourselves, but on a family member, co-worker, or stranger.


But how are we as Christians called respond to this instance of once in a generation global suffering? In many ways, it’s akin to an airplane losing pressure. We must first put on our oxygen mask and then ensure those around us are protected. If we don’t work to protect ourselves both emotionally, physically, and spiritually, we won’t be able to help those around us.


We are called to call out to our heavenly Father, in total trust that the Spirit will provide us the graces required to endure. We can also experience our suffering in union with Christ. Our desire to turn to God in such times is a powerful witness to those around us. Our endurance is a testimony to God’s faithfulness.


The care we offer to others — the metaphorical oxygen mask — is to act as Christ would have us act. Being unashamed of the Gospel means living a life radically changed. That life accepts that we need the care of our Father — without shame for our weakness, but rather in celebration of God’s working in our life. We are also called to live as though the Gospel has actually informed our actions and reactions. God is our Comforter, but also spurs out into service of our neighbour. We are called to be with the vulnerable, to care for the needy, and to minister to those in need of consolation. Let’s allow ourselves to be weak, so that God can show His power and glory in us. Today, as with every day, I cry out like a helpless child, in total trust that my Father is with me.




Stephanie Potter

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