The teachings of Christ are profound goals for our living as disciples. On the heels of the Olympics, I can’t help but equate Jesus’ teachings to essential training skills that strengthen us for receiving the ultimate goal: the gold medal on the heavenly kingdom’s podium of everlasting life.
At this time in my life, I am challenged by two of Jesus’ teachings, both issued in the Gospel of Matthew:
“Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil” (Matthew 6:34).
The world swirls around me in a storm of chaos, conflict, and confusion, challenging the peace that we have in Christ. I worry about many unknowns, including issues with my family, sick loved ones, and the future of our children, our country, and the world. Worry and anxiety sometimes steal my joy. I often repeat the words of St. Augustine, “My heart is restless until it rests in you,” yet I am continually reaching for the true peace that seems so elusive in troubled times. I long for his true peace.
The answer to this complication is actually found in the second teaching that I find challenging:
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me’” (Matthew 6:24).
My worry is a cross that I must bear. I must deny myself and offer my anxieties in a willingness to endure the struggle. I offer my concerns to Christ over and over again in total commitment to following him. I gain strength for the trials from the Holy Eucharist. I often wonder who I would be if I did not attend Mass regularly.
In his homily at morning Mass today, Fr. Ron reminded us of one of the options for the Kyrie: “You come in word and sacrament to strengthen us in holiness.” We really get Jesus—the ultimate life coach—at Mass. We get the fullness of his body, blood, soul, and divinity each time we celebrate the Eucharist. I need to be reminded that my pains, griefs, hurts, and anxieties are nothing in comparison to the passion of our Lord and Savior, Jesus, and his amazing love for us. Although the struggle is real, I must persevere in faith with the strength he gives me.
