storms and fruit
"I sought the Lord, and He answered me." —Psalm 34:5
As I write this reflection today on the feast of Sts. Perpetua and Felicity, I look back upon my life and how God has revealed Himself to me. Today is a special feast day for my family. We have been blessed with a baby who just recently turned seven months old. We named her Felicity, after the saint of today. Being the mother of five children, I know firsthand that God has never left me and has kept his sacred family bond with me (see Is 54:10). I undoubtedly have failed Him, but He has never failed me.
Our family certainly has been storm-battered (Is 54:11). The forces of evil have come against us, as I am sure they have in your family, too. We have seen God turn each crisis or challenge into a blessing (see Rm 8:28). Realize that when the storm clouds gather, fruit may be near at hand. It takes a storm to produce fruit-making rain. The Lord uses the rain from the storm to bring fruitfulness and fertility (see Is 55:10).
The trick, if you will, is to follow the advice of the psalmist: "I sought the Lord, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Look to Him that you may be radiant with joy" (Ps 34:5-6). When the storm is approaching, get ready to rejoice in the harvest.
Prayer: Father, inspire me to open the Bible today to search for You in Scripture. Give me the grace to hear You.
Promise: "Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him." —Mt 6:8
Praise: Sts. Perpetua & Felicity were not shaken by the prospect of martyrdom but rejoiced in giving their lives to God.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Daniel E. Pilarczyk, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, August 16, 2005
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