Today we hear a Gospel about Jesus, the Good Shepherd. He lays down His life for us, and He will never forget any of us. His love is a constant and endures forever, abundant for us all. During these tough times, your faith may be going through a trial. Maybe it is hard to pray, or you are tired of watching a live stream of the mass. You want to grow in holiness, but you are worn down and exhausted.
I can tell you that this has been my story. I have been having trouble seeing the joy in the Easter season. Jesus has risen, but unfortunately, I have been stuck in the trenches of Lent. My OCD has made it difficult for me to really embrace the joy that comes with Easter. The fears of everything going on in the world, the safety of loved ones, and germs entering our home have become walls that have made it difficult for me to feel the presence of the Good Shepherd.
Maybe this is describing you – maybe you feel like you are still stuck in Lent. God knows our struggles, and Jesus can heal our wounds. While we may feel isolated from the rest of the flock, we must remember Jesus is always with us. Ask for strength and hope from Jesus, calling out to Him. He knows our voices and will always come to find us, no matter how lost we may feel. He will always welcome us with loving arms, ready to give us the grace we need to become the saints He is calling us to become amidst these difficult times. Brothers and sisters – know and trust how much God loves you, for you are one of the precious sheep.
“Have you seen with the eyes of your soul how He looks at you with love?”
Saint Teresa of Calcutta
Nathalie Shultz is a joyful convert to the Catholic faith and a competitive swimmer with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). She loves to share her passion for Catholicism with others, including her conversion story and how God continues to work miracles in her life through her OCD. She is the Director of Religious Education for the North Allegan Catholic Collaborative of parishes. Nathalie is married to her best friend, Tommy Shultz. Her favorite saints include St. Peter the Apostle, St. Teresa of Calcutta, and St. John Paul II. She is also a huge fan of C.S. Lewis. If you have any questions for Nathalie, or just want her to pray for you, you can email her at rodzinkaministry@gmail.com.
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