By your perseverance you will secure your lives. – Luke 21:19
As I read the scripture readings for this Sunday, I noticed a common theme: persevering through grace in times of adversity. In the first reading, those who fear the Lord must endure God’s just judgment that will come “blazing like an oven” for those who are proud and do evil (Malachi 3:19). St. Paul worked “in toil and drudgery, night and day” while building up the Church (2 Thessalonians 3:8). In our Gospel passage, Jesus warns about the Day of the Lord that the faithful will have to endure (Luke 21:5-19).
As I consider the virtue of perseverance, it calls to mind a personal light. The last couple of months have been difficult for me, with a totaled car (we are all okay!), intense caring for an ill loved one in our home, a personal time of a new confronting my childhood wounds of abuse and neglect, the passing of my grandmother, may God rest her soul, and an illness when my body was at its lowest. Three things helped me to persevere through this time: my husband’s stoicism, patience, and love; support from mentors and friends; and most of all the grace of God.
The Catechism teaches that “grace is first and foremost the gift of the Spirit who justifies and sanctifies us” (CCC 2003). Actual graces are interventions from God that enable us to persevere in times of trial or persecution (see CCC 2000). Actual graces are promptings from God to turn away from evil and despair and choose good and hope. You could think of them as inspirations of the Holy Spirit which must be acted on. For example, you could feel the tug to pray more often when going through a difficult time. The inspiration to pray is an actual grace; in order to receive its benefits you must act on it by choosing to pray.
When we choose to cooperate with actual grace in times of adversity, we choose to trust in the Lord’s goodness and recognize His constant presence, especially in difficult times. Some ideas to grow in trust so you are ready for the next time adversity comes knocking are to pray the Litany of Trust and Psalm 56: “Trust in God under Persecution.”
Jesus, You already know all that I have endured and will endure in this life. Be with me in the dark valley, my Good Shepherd. Help me cooperate with the grace You offer me.