by Mary Ann Barrett, OP
Jesus had Grit.
He chose questionable followers:
fishermen, zealots, sinners, family members.
He took on the concerns of others:
widows, lepers, sick children, blind folks.
He faced rejection and ridicule:
from Religious and Civil leaders, neighbors, demons.
He contended with doubt:
from Nicodemus, Thomas, his Disciples.
He boldly talked of God’s Kingdom in Parables:
as Sower and seeds, as sheep, as workers and wages,
as a net and a treasure in a field.
He challenged his listeners to Seek, to Ask, to Knock.
He showed the crowds what compassion, forgiveness,
prayer, and peacemaking could look like.
He reminded all of us to be flavorful salt and a visible light.
He encouraged us to speak Truth,
to dispel divisions,
to foster commUnity.
He taught us about good nourishment:
kindness, mutual affection, grieving, suffering and service.
He taught us about table manners:
invitations, hospitality, seating arrangements.
He sent the Spirit of Love to quell our anger, our envy, our self-righteousness.
He relied on God’s grace to see him through the many encounters of daily life.
Yes, Jesus had Grit.
How is YOUR Grit?
