Learning Perseverance in Difficult Times
Sometimes,
the Load We Carry Is Very Great. In a season dedicated to hope and expectant longing, it is good
to name the fact that for some of us, life is very difficult. For
some, there are extraordinarily painful realities before us. More
and more, financial dilemmas are tearing us apart. If we have
lost a loved one, if we are in the middle of a deteriorating or abusive
relationship or trying to cope with a broken one, grief can cloud
our hope. If we are facing a life-threatening health crisis
or if we struggle to endure a chronic condition, we can find ourselves
nearly paralyzed emotionally and spiritually. The actual Latin root of the word "persevere" can help us. There are three parts of the word: per - se - vere. Loosely translated it says: "by means of the truth." We persevere by recalling and staying close to the truth. What truth? The truth of who we are and what our life is about. That's why Advent can be a season of perseverance, as well as a season of hopeful longing. When we let the truth of God's love for us touch our wounds, we begin to taste our salvation. How do I persevere, if the pain doesn't go away? When we find ourselves stuck in a painful situation, we can be tempted to think that we can't experience "relief." Sometimes tears just overwhelm us and we are reminded how close the pain is and how vulnerable we really are. Major stress or financial pressure magnifies any difficulties we have in communicating. Deep losses or profound ruptures in relationship pre-occupy everything else. When we are experiencing such grief or anger, it touches any grief or anger. So, small losses or disappointments become very big. Small things people do that might disappoint us, seem to fuel an outburst of rage. And the approach of Christmas can intensify every emotion and leave us feeling helpless and hopeless.
Praying Advent is the Prayer of Perseverance. It takes some focus. Into hearts that are preoccupied with our pain, we have to make some room for some new experience. And, a faith community is very important. It is very difficult to be a believer alone. We need the support of others who can trust in God. We need the support of a faith tradition that has a season like Advent. Our focus has to be more and more on the promises of our God. The daily readings from the prophets these days, as well as the psalms and intercessions, are powerful ways to let the faith of those who have gone before us into our hearts. We need to hear the prophets say that "A time will come for singing" before we can ever sing. We need to dialogue with God, through the emotional cries for help and the moving professions of faith in the psalms. It helps to say the simple prayers of Intercession, to begin to open a space for comfort and joy.
And Mary said:
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