Sunday, March 1st

Scripture

Gen 12: 1-4a
Ps 33: 4-5, 18-20, 22
2 Tim 1: 8b-10
Mt 17: 1-9

Reflection

“Beloved: Bear your share of hardship for the gospel
with the strength that comes from God. “
2 Timothy 1:8b

Where and with whom am I standing? Looking around at our world, I see hardships hitting so many communities: immigrant communities facing increased risk of detention and deportation; transgender youth facing new barriers to receiving life-saving medical care; and millions of people in the US facing food insecurity. People are suffering, and I wish they did not have to bear it. When I see the struggle of my siblings on the margins, whose identity or circumstance in an unjust world leads to suffering, I find in Paul’s words the invitation to struggle with them. Paul is not praising suffering for no reason, but “for the sake of the gospel.” I am called to embrace hardship for and with those who struggle for justice in this life, so as to make the Kingdom of God more present on earth. I live in the hope that where and with whom I am standing, God may be well-pleased.

Prayer

Gracious and Ever-Loving God, give me wisdom to know
where and with whom you are inviting me to stand,
and the strength to struggle alongside them.

Personal Challenge

Whom do I see facing hardship because of their identity
or circumstance today?
Where am I willing to embrace hardship
to bring about the Kingdom of God?

Julia Erdlen, CSJ Candidate
Brookfield, IL