Daily Gospel Reflection for February 11, 2016

Today's Gospel: Luke 9, 22-25

As Christians and as Catholics we are never promised that this life will be easy. In fact, we are regularly reminded to put on the armor of Christ because this Christian life promises to be a challenge. Fortunately, we do not walk alone. When we pick up our cross, Christ is right there with us giving us strength, courage and perseverance to keep walking.

Our marriage went through a particularly dark time over a decade ago resulting in a lengthy separation. At the beginning of that period, utterly confused, angry and hopeless, I turned to my faith. Praying the rosary for guidance and falling asleep with my bible on my chest as I read through the Psalms for courage, those prayers did not go unanswered.

Jesus walked every step with us as a couple, as individuals and as a family. Friends who prayed with us, counseled us, cleaned our house, watched our kids, brought us groceries, provided financially, emotionally and spiritually; they were Jesus in the flesh.

Clinging to our faith and carrying that cross daily, Jesus made good on His promises. We let go of our fears, doubts and pain (only to repeatedly pick them back up) and He never left us. As we slowly left our life behind to start anew, Jesus continued to guide, guard and protect us, and blesses us with a renewed marriage, faith and trust in Him.

Ponder:

When we let go and let God, our hands cannot hold all that He has in store for us. What can you let go of today in order to receive the gift that is waiting for you?

Pray:

Lord, help us to seek you daily, trusting that you love us enough to help us carry our cross even though you have already carried it for us.

Copyright 2016 Tracy Eisner

Wife to high school sweetheart, 21 years. Mama to 4 amazing kids, 18, 16, 13, 12. I work full-time in the healthcare field, am a sometimes blogger, and lover of coffee, chocolate and the beach. A work in progress! makingthetrek.wordpress.com