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Exercise and taking care of our health is good for our mind and body, and it’s the same with our faith. We know we need to keep up a nutritious diet, maintain an active lifestyle and keep our mind sharp throughout life; likewise, we know that we should be praying more, frequenting the sacraments, imitating Christ and growing in our faith. However, our human weakness fails us and we regularly get off track.
It often takes reminders to start exercising and eating healthy again, and sometimes a shocking television ad is what motivates us to get back into a healthy lifestyle. Likewise, God sometimes speaks in a loud thundering voice to get our attention, like in today’s Gospel. That thundering voice could come in many forms, whether through the death of a loved one, a natural disaster or a starving child. It reminds us of our own mortality and need for salvation, urging us to get back on the right path.
Fortunately, virtue like fitness increases with practice. We grow in strength and endurance the more we exercise it. We can see Jesus who leads by example. He is constantly encouraging us and is there when we fall.
We give thanks for the Lord’s mercy, compassion, and patience because, although we fail so often, he seeks us out and does not reject a contrite heart.