Life Challenges, taking risks, the uncertainties of life. Have you ever wanted to do something but were afraid of failure or rejection before you even knew the outcome? Do you have the courage to take on what life gives us? In today’s gospel Jesus said to his disciples
"In those days after that tribulation, times of suffering or troubles, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken, and then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory, and then he will send out the angels”
In times like we’ve experienced during the pandemic. There were often times, we didn’t know what we were going to do. We didn’t know how to deal with what was going on. Many were affected by work, one day you had a job, the next, you didn’t. We were all asked to stay home. It twisted and pulled family life in different directions and presented multiple challenges.
Sometimes we’re tested in more simple everyday things, tested outside our comfort zone like meeting new people, trying out a new restaurant, or a student starting at a new school, or being given a new project at work. It doesn’t have to be a bad thing, it can sometimes be a good thing. A new learning experience that can help us grow.
What’s important to know is that Jesus is telling us that when we encounter a challenge, we need to persevere, to start from the beginning and see it through to the end and not get discouraged everytime we encounter an obstacle. Jesus is telling us that we have to have confidence in our abilities to start in darkness, and be the one to provide the light needed to guide us. Sometimes it’s not us that is that light, sometimes it’s family or friends or even strangers.
When we read again what the gospel is telling us, it’s telling us, don't lose hope, even if the situation doesn’t feel like it’s never going to work, persevere, keep going, even if you’re knocked down, or fail, get up. Yes, it can be scary at times. You may feel like you can’t, or you don’t want to try because you don’t want to fail, but how will you even know if it’ll work out if you don’t try?
Readings at
USCCB.org Living the Word resource
First Reading: Daniel 12:1-3
Psalm: 16:5, 8, 9-10, 11
Second Reading: Hebrews 10:11-14, 18
Gospel: Mark 13:24-32
