Persevere
By your perseverance you will secure your lives.
Luke 21:1
In Luke 21:5-19, Jesus explains that living for Him is going to be difficult. He speaks of some pretty terrifying things, including earthquakes, famines, plagues, wars, divisions in families, and even martyrdom. However, He goes on to say that by perseverance our lives, meaning our eternal lives in Heaven, will be secured.
I recently discovered Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, and I immediately admired her story. Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, also known as Saint Edith Stein, was born Jewish; she converted to Catholicism at 30 after reading Saint Teresa of Ávila’s autobiography. She later entered a Carmelite convent, taking the name “Teresa Benedicta of the Cross” to represent her acceptance of suffering.
Saint Teresa had the personal motto of, “Behold the Cross, our only hope.” She sought to embrace human suffering, and she could see opportunities in the pain that surrounded her.
Saint Teresa was martyred in a gas chamber at Auschwitz a week after the Nazis arrested her for being a Jew who converted to Christianity. Although she was martyred and hated for her faith, she still was courageous and persevered through the obstacles she faced, which brought her to eternal life.
When I read this passage in Luke, I think of Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross. More often than not, I allow struggles and sadness to weigh down my heart. With the companionship of Saint Teresa, I have found it much easier to embrace the hope my crosses bear.
Although life is going to be hard, we have to have the courage to live out our faith. We can bear our crosses with joy, knowing Jesus is helping us every step of the way. May we look to Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross as an example, persisting through our hardships as we strive for sainthood.
Prayer of St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross
O my God, fill my soul with holy joy, courage and strength to serve You. Enkindle Your love in me and then walk with me along the next stretch of road before me. I do not see very far ahead, but when I have arrived where the horizon now closes down, a new prospect will open before me, and I shall meet it with peace.