Is fidelity to Jesus Christ worth it?
As we are know in the second week of Lent, some of our acts of self-denial and penance may have become a little more difficult. We long for the “fleshpots of Egypt,” where our little indulgences seemed to do little harm, and we wonder whether the act of self-denial is worth it. We live in a world where self-indulgence is the norm and self-discipline is necesary once in a while, but only for usually for self-serving purposes.
This second Sunday of Lent tells us why are disciplines and spiritual acts of self-denial are important. The simple reason is that it is the only we way are going to receive the glory God once us to have. Life is not, as some think, is not about self-indulgence, but self-giving. Jesus climbs the Mount of Transfiguration today to remind us that glory will ultimately come through the cross. He wants to share with us a glimpse of that glory on this side of heaven, so that we have can strong enough to deal with life.
WE probably do not even realize that the reception of the Holy Eucharist every Sunday and every day if possible is a sharing of the glory of God that is to come. The Eucharistic Jesus is the first fruits of the coming of Christ at the end of the world. That is why the glorious mysteries of the rosary are not simply something only about the future, we share in that glory every time we each His Body and drink His Blood. We share in that glory every time we seek forgiveness for our sins in the Sacrament of Penance. We taste its passing sweetness now to prepare us and help us long for the fullness of what is to come.
Jesus shows us that fidelity to his teaching and his cross and his Church is worth everything, becuase he has put everything on the line to make it a true reality for us. It is understandable to ask ourselves if living our Catholic faith is worth it. Next time we do, look to the saints and look to the Holy Eucharist, and you will know with all your heart that Jesus truly is WORTH IT. Our bodies, our souls, our hopes, our loves, and our crosses.
