NECESSARY
ROUGHNESS
“But if it dies, it produces much fruit.” – John 12:24
We live in the countryside surrounded with beautiful sceneries of farmlands, lakes and forests. One morning, I read the announcement in our local newspaper about a forest fire. Enraged, I asked my husband, “Why are they burning down the forest?” Nonchalantly, he replied, “It’s a necessary fire and it’s a controlled one.” He said it’s a natural part of forest growth, as some types of trees, like pine, need fire to regenerate. Seeds inside the pinecones can only be released when exposed to extreme heat, hence, the need for fire.
Hardships, sufferings and failures are essential parts of human life. And oftentimes, vulnerability overcomes us that we tend to give up. But tough times are meant to heal and strengthen us, to give us an opportunity to learn and mature in our spiritual life. Let us not be conquered by trials. We should learn to fight back and recognize the blessing behind our sufferings. They are meant to make us better, stronger and wiser, so that when troubles come our way again, we would know how to handle them well. Jane Gonzales-Rauch (mgr516@gmail.com)
Reflection: We are being challenged not to be defeated but to have renewed faith.
Oh God, heal my brokenness and renew my strength that I may rise victorious and proclaim Your greatness. Amen.
St. Nicholas Owen, pray for us.
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