This series, which will span several weeks, is a recounting of “Wisdom from Walburga” from the mind and heart of Mother Maria-Michael, O.S.B., abbess of the Abbey of St. Walburga, in answer to some of the foundational questions and concerns of countless Catholics on the road to Heaven.
‘Persevering fidelity’
It can be easy to lose hope and despair in the face of the many challenges of our time. With war, famine, poverty, injustice, declining faith, persecution, sickness and suffering, the brokenness of the world is on full display.
The Gospel message, however, is one of hope. The Christian is called to be the salt of the earth and a light to the nations, preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ and bringing hope to the world. The call to be salt and light, however, comes to fruition only in and through God’s blessed initiative.
“That is completely the work of God,” Mother Maria-Michael said when posed a question on the topic. “I suppose the best we can do is to be faithful – persevering fidelity.
“Sometimes, I pray the wedding vows to Christ, saying ‘I will love and honor you all the days of my life, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health.’ I don’t think any of us can do that on our own; it really is a gift from God,” she continued.
In short, God gives the grace necessary for his people to persevere in faithfulness and fidelity to his plan. St. Teresa of Calcutta put it well when she said, “God has not called me to be successful. He called me to be faithful.” Without any view toward the potential fruits of our actions, we are called to humble faithfulness in offering what the Lord asks of us with great love.
“One has to say, ‘Lord, I give this to you. You are free to use it as you will.’ And isn’t that the truth? When you give someone a gift, you can’t tell them how to use it! Once it’s really given, you need to give it to them and say, ‘I hope you enjoy it.’ The gift of our life is that he’s already died for us. This is a small return to what he has done, a small return,” Mother said.
“Yet, grace just bursts out. I can only say that if God should choose to let it burst and break forth underfoot and over other people, so be it, and praise be him. May they be touched to do the same,” she continued. “I don’t know what to expect of that. Of course, I hope. I can only say in faith, ‘I believe he will use it for the good of his Church and the good of mankind.’ I love the Church. I love the Church because it is the Body of Christ, and it is what he loves.”
Despite sickness or health, good times or bad, God calls each to fidelity. Regardless of external circumstances and real challenges, God calls us to be faithful in love, and to hope that he will “work all things for the good for those who love him” (Rm 8:28).
The Wisdom from Walburga lies in a renewed commitment to humble, persevering fidelity to God’s will and plan for each of us.
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