I have witnessed over my many years as a practitioner that, generally speaking, human beings spend a lot of energy fighting against the pain and struggles in their lives. I certainly catch myself in this camp all too frequently. Holding on to the hope of a better life, a life without strife and turmoil, we spend our lives on a spiritual gerbil wheel searching and seeking for happiness outside of ourselves. This pattern can be consuming – and exhausting.
Given the plethora of images our culture is immersed in, images of “perfect” people living perfect lives, it is not surprising that we seek to avoid pain and strife. When our lives don’t “measure up” we wonder – What is wrong with me? Why am I suffering, why are my kids wayward, why do I feel isolated, why do I carry anger, resentment, fear, sadness, etc. If only things could change then I could finally be happy. If only life could be pain free – then I could be free…
Yet, this thought runs counter to our first reading today. Here we read very clearly that there is a time and season for both goodness and pain in our lives. As human beings we will experience a wide range of emotions during our lifetimes.
A time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant.
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to tear down, and a time to build.
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones, and a time to gather them;
a time to embrace, and a time to be far from embraces.
A time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away.
A time to rend, and a time to sew;
a time to be silent, and a time to speak.
A time to love, and a time to hate;
a time of war, and a time of peace.
Humility
Is there a different way to view our struggles? A way that leads us into the happiness our souls crave – a happiness rooted in God’s divine happiness? I believe there is and it is rooted in humility.
Believing that surrendering to true humility will lead me into deeper union with God, I find myself frequently praying for the grace of humility. Often reflecting on a cartoon I saw in our local Catholic newspaper years ago, I am reminded that God will not simply give us humility. Rather, God will give us life challenges that will help us grow in humility. And here is the divine jewel that rests at the core of our sufferings – I believe our sufferings are a vehicle God uses to transform our prideful nature into humility. With this premise I see our sufferings as a gift – even though there are times when my humanity really doesn’t want to endure these sufferings.
Looking at our pain, trials, and tribulations as a means of transformation changes the equation doesn’t it? Instead of fighting against our pain we can find a way to move through it and allow our Triune God to mold and refine us. Then we become the clay allowing the potter to create in us a new creature. Looking at life through the lens of humility changes our interior. Seeing life through this lens we can move beyond our pride and into a new and joyous life. Gifts are given to us during this refinement. The beautiful gifts of love, compassion, and empathy for our fellow spiritual sojourners begin to come alive within our hearts. Through our woundedness we can truly meet one another at the heart. This meeting occurs within the milieu of God’s perfect love.
One Love
There is only one way into this type of perfect love and Saint Peter understood this. Through “The Christ of God” we experience this type of true love – through Jesus. No one else can lead us there. Through humility he surrendered all of who he is on the cross. There was no pride in him – only loving humility. Out of this love he invites us into perfect humility during our trials and tribulations. After all, Jesus Christ experienced something beautiful at that moment when he commended his spirit into the hands of the Father. We are invited into this beauty as well.
Global Light For Christ (GLFC)
We are a group of Christ lovers who seek to support our fellow brothers and sisters on their journey into wholeness through prayer and petition. I invite you to share your prayer requests below and to pray for one another. Be blessed my brothers and sisters in Christ!
God bless all of you. See you next week Friday – Carolyn
If you would like to learn more about my work and my ministry I invite you to visit my website: CarolynBerghuis.com
God the Father – hold us in your Fatherly love.
Sacred Heart of Jesus – heal us with your divine love.
God the Holy Spirit – immerse us in divine love.
