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I often think I have it tough. But, all it takes to jerk me back to reality is to read about the lives of the Apostles and the saints.
In today’s reading from Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians (2 Cor 6:1-10), St. Paul gives us an idea of what life was like for the Apostles. They had to endure through “afflictions, hardships, constraints, beatings, imprisonments…”, by employing the virtues of “purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, …. love and truthful speech”.
The Apostles were treated as, “deceivers but yet they spoke the truth; as unrecognized and yet they were acknowledged; as sorrowful yet always rejoicing; as poor yet they enriched many; and, as having nothing yet they possessed all things.”
Paul’s letter is evidence that he and the Apostles practiced what Jesus preached in today’s Gospel (Mt 5:38-42) about retaliation. They didn’t resist being persecuted. Their mercy for others let them set aside the old law of “an eye for an eye” and let them “turn the other cheek”. And, when someone needed help, they went the extra mile.
It’s evident that, from the beginning, living the life of a Christian was a spiritual dichotomy.
I may not be persecuted like the Early Christians. But, I still experience a spiritual dichotomy in my life. Since becoming Catholic, I have found an interior peace like I never knew could exist. But, because I am called to spread to others that peace and joy found only through the love of Jesus Christ, I may never be totally at peace again. At least not in this life. And, that’s okay.
“Dear God, thank you for giving us Your Son, Jesus, to lead us to You. Thank You, Jesus, for showing us the way to the Father. And, thank You, Holy Spirit, for filling me with Your love and peace, and for the fire that has burned yet healed my soul. Through Your grace, I pray I may be an instrument for enlightening others to Your love. Amen.”
(A Spiritual Dichotomy was first published on the blog Reflections of a Lay Catholic)
©2013-2017 Reflections of a Lay Catholic. Reposting and sharing of material in its full and original content is permitted, provided that full and clear credit is given to the author(s) and Reflections of a Lay Catholic.
Reflections of a Lay Catholic 
Jerry, I agree , every time I think I have hard times I believe I am not really present with God!
I believe it all comes down to simple things. Find joy and peace with the lord
And everything falls into place.
I wish I could do that every single moment of my life😊, one day at a time. God Bless!
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Good to hear from you Norm! When the going gets tough, it’s easy to feel that God is absent from your life. But that’s not true. Even in the toughest times, we can find indications of His presence in our lives. We may need to look for them but He is there. In realizing His presence, we can find peace in everything. As always, thanks for reading and commenting.
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Living in this world but not with the distractions. Having to make a living changes everything. Our motivation should be on giving so love can be felt by others, counting on Christ to do all things in us.
This is a great reflection on the ambiguities of Gods way of living and the worlds way of making us think we should live.
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Thanks for commenting, Carol. I think there will always be distractions, even when you make life changes which you think will eliminate them. The distractions just take different forms. But, you’re right, many of them we create ourselves (with Satan’s help) because it’s what the world makes us think we need. You should know that your giving is indeed felt by many others. Christ is working through you!
Peace
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In 2 Corinthians 4:17 the Bible tells us our sufferings are minimal compared to eternal life with Jesus that we look forward to. I turned in this passage when I think of the sufferings in my life And how I think it was and is so tough but God is just testing me. God knows my heart and my soul better than any human being. Everyday I am one day closer to seeing Him! I and all Christians need to just “hang in there” and wait in God’s time for our eternal reward.
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Thanks for your comment Judy. I think you’re right, we all have to struggle a little and hurt a little to get our reward otherwise it wouldn’t be appreciated. “Hang in there” my friend!
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