Perseverance

Today’s first reading is a beautiful exhortation to perseverance, a grace for which we sometimes feel the need so desperately.

Remember the days past when,
after you had been enlightened,
you endured a great contest of suffering.

At times
you were publicly exposed to abuse and affliction;
at other times
you associated yourselves with those so treated.

You even joined in the sufferings of those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, knowing that you had a better and lasting possession.

Therefore, do not throw away your confidence;
it will have great recompense.

You need endurance to do the will of God
and receive what he has promised.

For, after just a brief moment,
he who is to come shall come;
he shall not delay.

But my just one shall live by faith,
and if he draws back I take no pleasure in him.

We are not among those who draw back and perish,
but among those who have faith and will possess life.

Please, Lord, give us that grace in ever-greater abundance. May we draw ever closer to you, every day of our lives, and may we never fall out of your hand. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.