If the experience of life shows us anything, it is that we need to grow continually in the capacity to persist in what we have chosen to do. It is human nature to grow tired, bored or otherwise to be tempted to give up on the task at hand. That of course becomes even more pronounced when the task is difficult or will take time.

 

In contrast, our human nature flourishes when we foster in our character the determination to see through to the end a work we have begun. It is a necessary lesson of day-to-day living for us to learn perseverance and endurance.

 

Perseverance is vital to living our faith as well. St. Paul recognized that and often wrote about perseverance in his letters to the churches he established. For example, in his letter to the Galatians he urges them saying, “Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest, if we do not give up.” (Gal 6:9). 

 

Growing tired in the faith can occur for many reasons. The first is that living faith is simply a struggle.

Because of the redemptive death of Christ, we are given the grace we need to love God and freely seek a place in heaven. But at the same time, we continue to bear the damage of sin in our human nature. We know what is right and good, but we are constantly struggling against the temptation to rebel and to choose our own will instead of seeking God’s. 

 

At times, we feel like the people of Israel in the Old Testament. One of their great temptations was to look away from God who had brought them out of Egypt and look at their neighbors. Time and again they felt the beguiling pull to live like those others whose god was not so demanding, and whose lives seemed filled with practices that were easier to keep.

 

We can also feel the trial that comes from sensing that as followers of Christ and faithful Catholics, there are times when we must have the courage to stand alone. Whether we witness to the right to life of the unborn or the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays, we often find ourselves surrounded by others, even at times family members, who disagree or who even mock our faith.

 

Our perseverance, however, flows from our first acceptance of the Good News. Jesus has loved us from all eternity and He has died to save us. Our faith often leads to that sense of purpose, of meaning in life. We have purchased the pearl of great price and now our task is not to relinquish it.

 

We are further confirmed by the example of Jesus. In the recitation of the rosary, the fourth sorrowful mystery recalls Jesus carrying His cross to Calvary. Through the centuries, the Church has reflected on the Gospel accounts of Jesus struggling under the weight of His own instrument of death. But His resolve not to give up was rooted in His love for His Father’s will and His love for us. Sharing in His humanity we know that we can see our task through to the end.

 

Of course Christ has given us other help. The Eucharist is the food for the spiritual journey. Our worthy reception strengthens us to continue on despite all adversities. And the sacrament of confession heals us and gives us further grace to stay the course of faith. 

 

Jesus told His followers, “The one who perseveres to the end will be saved” (Mt. 24:13). We should not be surprised about our need to endure many things. Nor should we be astonished that many will not do so. Even some of Jesus’s followers turned away from Him. Still, the prize is great and the help is always at hand. This is the story of living the faith in every age.