Faith in Jesus draws our eyes upward to Him, changing how we see today and tomorrow
by Sister Francis Bangert
“Behold, I make all things new.” These words from the Book of Revelation carry a message of promise that is uplifting and hope-filled for every season of life’s journey, especially in times of challenge. Like the early Christians who faithfully strove to proclaim the Good News of the Risen Jesus amid threats of persecution and death, thus revolutionizing the status quo, we, too, struggle with change. We may not be asked to give our life in that same way. Yet the abrupt loss of a job, chronic pain, the diagnosis of a terminal illness, or deep depression don’t seem like ways of making life new. It is with Easter faith that we can look beyond pain to new life.
Fr. Ron Rolheiser, president of the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas, and prolific writer and speaker, having had two bouts with cancer, has written “In Exile: A Different Kind of Bucket List” how he has chosen to live as a thriver of cancer, not just a survivor.
- “I’m going to strive to be productive as long as I can.
- I’m going to make every day and every activity as precious and enjoyable as possible.
- I’m going to be as gracious, warm and charitable as possible.
- I’m going to strive to be as healthy as long as I can.
- I’m going to accept other’s love in a deeper way than I have.
- I’m going to strive to live a more fully “reconciled” life -- no room for past hurts anymore.
- I’m going to strive to keep my sense of humor intact.
- I’m going to be as courageous and brave as I can.
- I’m going to strive, always, to never look at what I’m losing, but rather look at how wonderful and full my life has been.
- And I’m going to lay all of this daily at God’s feet through prayer.” (St. Louis Jesuits.org, permission granted)
What challenge is life presenting to me at this time? How can I look beyond its pain to new life?