Joy-Filled Perseverance (Week of March 11)
On the Road
As Lent continues to unfold, we are to persevere with joy. During the Laetare Sunday Liturgy (Fourth Sunday of Lent), we rejoice (_laetare_ means "rejoice"), knowing that we will soon celebrate the day of our salvation at Easter. Yet, we must persevere, keeping our Lenten commitment to journey with Christ to the Cross. Let us pray in hearts that God give us a steadfast heart so that we may continue to walk with him and serve as an example of joy-filled perseverance for those we serve.
Encounter
"My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing." James 1:2-4 "All saints began their conversion by prayer, and through prayer they persevered." Saint John Vianney
Go Forth
How will you persevere with joy for the remainder of Lent? What opportunities can you provide to help others "keep" Lent in these final weeks before Easter?