Struggles to Blessings

Sep 13, 2020

The pandemic has certainly tested everyone and some may feel inadequate in various areas of their lives. The good news is that we can lean on God and Fr. James Martin explains how our weaknesses can be a gift. Let’s take a quiet moment to reflect on this quote from him.

 

“The beginning of sanctity is loving yourself as a creation of God. And that means all of yourself, even the parts that you wish weren’t there, the parts that you wish God hadn’t made, the parts that you lament. God loves us like a parent loves a child—often more for the parts of the child that are weaker or where the child struggles or falters. More often than not, those very weaknesses are the most important paths to holiness, because they remind you of your reliance on God. “So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses,” wrote Saint Paul, “so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor 12:9–10).”

― Fr. James Martin, Becoming Who You Are: Insights on the True Self from Thomas Merton and Other Saints