As we move into spring, we are often outdoors pursuing physical hobbies such as walking, running, swimming, cycling or lifting weights. It can feel good, but the changes can feel slow.
In fact, a friend asked me recently how long does it take for us to see changes in our body composition. Actually, a lot is happening inside our bodies, but over time, perhaps months or years, with the accompaniment of good nutrition and other healthy habits, we can begin to see and feel real physical changes.
Interior and exterior changes also occur, over time, with an open heart to Jesus and with a dedicated prayer and sacramental life. In the practice of daily prayer, frequent reception of the sacraments, reading of scripture and in serving others His grace changes us over time — even though the changes may not be visible to us or to others at first.
We know that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are always seeking us, pouring grace out upon us, listening and responding to our cries — often in mysterious ways — and how do we respond? Since we can’t achieve holiness on our own, we are called to persevere by living out our faith staying close to Jesus and cooperating with his grace.
St. Pope John Paul II said, “Do not be afraid to be holy! Have the courage and humility to present yourselves to the world determined to be holy, since full, true freedom is born from holiness.”
It is important to celebrate little victories along the way on this interior journey with Jesus — in this lifelong pursuit of holiness.
One area where Jesus is transforming me is in letting go of little slights and perceived injustices. Jesus is gently teaching me that it’s holier to let things go and instead reply with love and gentleness as we never know the hurts, wounds and burdens of another.
This can be challenging, but I feel His grace strengthening me in this area. I pray that over time this interior change will firmly take root as it feels freeing to give loving responses in moments of hurt or slight, and by his grace, I truly desire to be a peacemaker in the lives of others.
St. Teresa of Avila said, “Let nothing perturb you, nothing frighten you. All things pass. God does not change. Patience achieves everything.”
As Jesus works in us interiorly, there can also be physical changes. Joy is one of the characteristics of a Christian and we can sometimes see that in the eyes of another, in their demeanor, in how one moves, smiles and has an almost inexplicable openness about them. People are often drawn to others because of that joy that flows out a strong and deep interior life with Jesus.
St. Teresa of Avila said, “Joy is the most infallible sign of the presence of God.”
St. Ignatius of Loyola said, “More determination is required to subdue the interior man than to mortify the body; and to break one’s will than to break one’s bones.”
Let us heed the advice of these great saints and be determined to see a deep interior life with Jesus, praying with fervor, and listening to and responding to what He is asking us to do. May we gratefully accept how Jesus desires to transform us to be little Christs in the world.
