By Sister Mary Scholastica, O.C.D.
There always seems to be a recurring theme that resonates personally – that of falling and rising again. I imagine it’s a theme that echoes in the heart of each one of us. Because without this assurance of falling, rising and most importantly being accompanied on this journey, it’s hard to keep persevering to move forward. And we need to move forward. Always. What does “moving forward” look like?
“Moving forward”, in the context of our current culture, can feel wearisome and never-ending. It almost always feels like we need to keep growing, moving, going up (whatever direction “up” means for you), raising more money than the year before, having more effective/excellent/self-sustaining programs, being more successful, knowing more people, having a better job, expanding our network, etc. etc. etc. When does this stop? It almost makes you want to hyperventilate because the flow of our world only makes it feel as if it’s accelerating. BUT this is not the moving forward we are aiming for.
Forward is not that we keep going after success and more success. Moving forward means showing up today and the next day and the day after as our best selves, shaped according to the circumstances of our lives with the graces we’re responding to in the present moment. Forward means it’s alright to look back to learn and grow from the past, but it also mostly means looking up, around and beside you in the present moment. It means looking forward to what is to come. This looking forward does not provide the vision for the future. This looking forward is formed by our looking up, around and beside us in the NOW and prepares us to move into the next moment open to God’s grace at work in our lives. This understanding of “moving forward” takes away the anxiety and the feel of being on a treadmill and places it squarely on the path of the cross, which includes falling and rising, again and again.
As we accompany Jesus and more importantly as He accompanies us, may we enter each day ready to receive all that He desires for us with an open heart and willing, generous spirit. As He falls, let us be like Simon who helps Him carry His cross or Veronica who wipes His face. As we fall, know that He is never not with us. The cross is never too heavy. You just need to turn your head to see Him there beside you. Falling and rising again and again with Jesus. Jesus, we trust in You and surrender ourselves to Your loving providential hand at work in our lives. Amen.
