Seasons of Grace

One of the things I have learned in my faith journey is that God puts us through different seasons of life for various reasons. Each season has its own purpose that in turn strengthens us in grace. Each new chapter of our lives, if we comply with God’s will, brings us closer and closer to Christ. Let us reflect on some of the steps we take in our faith journeys. As we reflect on these different steps or stages of life let us ask ourselves what chapter do we find ourselves in now and what is the best way we can serve God during this specific season? 

As Catholics, through the Sacrament of Baptism, we are initiated into the faith and receive the Holy Spirit. Through this act, we are welcomed and made sons and daughters of God. This is the start of our journey into the Catholic Faith and leads us to the next steps we make. 

Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. John tried to prevent him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?’ Jesus said to him in reply, ‘Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.’ Then he allowed him. After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened (for him), and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove (and) coming upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, saying, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased (Matthew 3:13-17). 

Usually still as a child, we receive our First Holy Communion. By this sacrament, we are strengthened in grace with God so we can grow in holiness and combat the forces of evil in our lives. However, this is only the beginning. Each time we receive Jesus in the Eucharist, we become more like Him. That is why regular Mass attendance is a necessity. 

Jesus said to them, ‘Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever (John 6:53-58). 

Then, usually, when adulthood is right around the corner, the sacrament of Confirmation is awaiting for us. Once we choose a saint to become our spiritual ally in this world of good and evil we are sealed with the Holy Spirit. This means we are ready to set the world ablaze with the fire God has put in our hearts. 

Then they laid hands on them and they received the holy Spirit (Acts 8:17).  

Although God does give us the sacraments to bring us closer to Him, we are weak and sinful creatures. There are many times when we fail His graces. We may even experience instances of doubt or spiritual dryness when all we want to do is be consoled by the Lord. At these times, we must not despair, but surrender our whole hearts to the Lord through fervent prayer. Because even though the Lord’s presence may feel absent, He is always there. And of course, if we do fail Him through sin, God’s abundant mercy and love are found in the sacrament of Confession. 

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerful (James 5:16).

Furthermore, as we grow in the spirit, we find ourselves growing up, and it is time for our discernment. Whether it is the religious life, single life, or married life, God will enlighten us. This is one of the biggest decisions we will make in our lives, so it is crucial that we surrender our will to His Will. After all, God has a beautiful plan woven together in His mind for each of us that will make the tapestry of a saint, if only we follow His commands.  

If you love me, you will keep my commandments  (John 14:14). 

As the end of our lives draws to a close, we receive the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. As we face this final stage of life, we are comforted in our spirits through grace and prepared for eternal life.

It is the LORD who marches before you; he will be with you and will never fail you or forsake you. So do not fear or be dismayed (Deuteronomy 31:8). 

In this article, I have only scratched the surface of these beautiful sacraments. I do hope, however, it has piqued your curiosity to look into them further. God bless you on your faith journey.

One final note of encouragement is this. Following Christ through the different stages of life is sometimes not easy. There are times of uncertainty and mystery of what lies before us. However, all we must do is take the plunge and surrender our plans to Him. We must place our trust in God that, ultimately, He knows best and will take care of us throughout all seasons of grace.