April 2, 2013 Tuesday: Divine Mercy Novena #9

This past nine weeks, we have been on an pilgrimage, meeting saints whose lives were changed by an encounter with Jesus, and visiting holy places where lives were given up for Jesus. On the first day of the novena, I mentioned that a pilgrimage is a personal invitation from God. It brings a pilgrim not only to a physical place, but out of himself, and into the presence of God. When we began, how did you feel spiritually? Have you noticed a change during  these past 9 weeks?

A pilgrimage can be tiring and challenging. I remember on our pilgrimage to Rome a couple of months ago, we were tired by the end of the day after walking many miles in the cold rain. But despite our tiredness, we gathered at the dinner table to talk about how God touched us that day. Remembering is so important to our faith. Jesus reminds us at every mass as he gives us his precious body and blood, “Do this in memory of me.” We remember year after year, the nativity, the Passion, the death, and Resurrection of Jesus. By this remembering, Jesus speaks to our heart and moves us to climb the hill of Calvary, to look upon the wood of the Cross, and to immerse ourselves in the silence of love.

Are you challenged and tired by your crosses? When Jesus asks you to carry your cross after him, do you feel overwhelmed? Jesus asks you to remember. Remember Jesus who comes so close to your heart in the Eucharist; he speaks to you to have faith and not to lose hope because the power of the love of God and the power of the Risen Jesus overcomes all things. When you fail, do not be surprised by your weakness, but put your trust in him who encourages you to say, “Jesus, I trust in you!”