Every single one of us has the opportunity to build our own intimate relationship with the Father. When it came to developing my relationship with Christ, I don’t know why I had assumed that it would be easy. I still struggle with certain areas even after three years of developing my relationship.
Our relationships are never perfect, and He doesn’t expect us to be in them. God doesn’t expect us to have it “all together.” No matter how long you’ve been Catholic. No matter how long you’ve been involved with your faith. We all stumble. We all fall. We also have the opportunity to get back up.
As Jesus carried the Cross during His Passion, He fell three times. Excruciatingly painful falls. He got back up and continued. It wasn’t easy, but He still carried on.
Today's Gospel Acclamation is, “My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). A priest at my parish once said, “We have to get lost to find the shepherd.”
The journey of our faith is never linear. And that’s okay. No matter how many times we fall, He is always there to pick us back up. We don’t have to suffer alone. He doesn’t want us to suffer alone. He wants to be in every aspect of it. He is in every aspect of it, but it’s our choice to invite Him in.
Allow yourself to be vulnerable with Him. If you need to be mad, you can be mad. You can cry on His shoulder. Sister, let Him relieve your pain.
Sweet Jesus, we weren’t there to help You carry Your Cross, but thank You for always helping us carry ours. Amen.