“Jesus Christ wishes to make you firm in faith through the Church. The decision to believe in Jesus Christ and to follow him is not an easy one. It is hindered by our personal failures and by the many voices that point us towards easier paths. Do not be discouraged. Rather, look for the support of the Christian community, the support of the Church, the Church depends on you, She needs your lively faith, your creative charity and the energy of your hope.” -Papa Ben
Where to start. For one thing it has been a while since I have wrote in this blog. So too my many many fans around the world, i am truly sorry..sike
JMJ 2011 was the craziest experiences of my life, and though I would like to focus on what I did and everything that happened, I would like this blog to be focused on the message.
Firm in the Faith
I grew up catholic, born and raised. I’ve been an active participant in the church and a strong believer in Jesus Christ since I can remember. So does that mean I was “Firm” in the Faith? In my eyes, yes. But as World Youth Day kicked off I found myself at battle with myself. Was my life really reflecting the life of a believer? If I can take away three things from this pilgramage it would be
1. Don’t say, DO. As Papa Ben mentioned earlier, the church depends on US. There is no need for us to take the passenger seat. Become the driver, let go and let God. He will guide you to a destination that may be difficult, but the end result will be fufilling. ”God makes all things work together for my/your good” I found myself spectating a lot, and not praying enough. I relied solely on the fact that I was a believer, but to believe means also to follow. Follow the life of Jesus, follow the teachings of the church, and follow the call of God in your heart. Take Courage, don’t doubt and serve with all you have. Because Jesus gave us all He had. There really is no excuse. I was really inspired by the youth who went on this trip. It reminded me of when I was a youth eager to serve and eager to learn. Be Child-Like in faith. Seek forigiveness and forgive.
2. Prayer. Pray Pray Pray. On the pilgrimage I found myself praying 7-10 times a day. Whether it be mass, the rosary, reflection, or journaling. Pray without ceasing. I realized that prayer was a essential part that I was missing in my faith journey. I forgot to pray before worships, pray before talks, and those little things turned into big things. Never underestimate the power of prayer. God won’t grant you what you want right away, but He will put you in a position to give you what you need. Prayer strengthens yourself and sets you up to do better.
3. Being a Man of God. I can’t help but stress this enough. Like I said, I talked the big game, but didn’t walk it. I was a believer and not a do-er. This is the lesson I hold close to my heart. Because I’ve always realized what I was capable off and I never put the time and effort to reach that potential. I began to blame myself for every little mistake I made, or everything I did wrong. I have baggage, and I have a history that I would love to forget, and have forgotten. But what good is it to forget if you don’t fix the problem. I struggle with sin, I struggle with temptation. But like father raymond said “we must learn to control our senses, we must learn to be selfless” I realized I am never going to change, but I can fix what is wrong with my life for the better of me. Pastuer, Provide, Protect. Treat your family with love, treat ladies right, be a gentleman and first and foremost, follow God.
Before taking a bath in the Holy Water at Lourdes I made a couple of promises to myself as I prayed in the water. I won’t share all of them but one of them was to smile, and enjoy life more. God has surrounded me with many blessings that I take for granted. God has given me the opportunity to serve Him and serve others. Which means he doesn’t deserve my 70 or 95 percent. He deserves my all. All in the church, all in relationships, all in family, and most importantly all in how I live my life. No BSing who I am, this is me. A person who is willing to improve. A sinner, ready to serve.
“7 rooted and built up in Christ, firm in the faith” -Colossians 2:7
