Last Sunday's sermon touched on Confession. About how we will face mountains at various times in our lives and need God's grace to climb them. God's grace comes to us in the sacraments. Especially in Confession and Holy Communion. When we are suffering, we face a mountain we must climb. God's grace helps us to climb it.
When I moved to Arizona, I purposely chose a location where I could live on less and enjoy life more. I was going to go hiking in the local mountains every day and travel to places I wanted to explore more often. Then gas prices went up. My kids became teenagers. My plans didn't work out the way I had hoped. Somehow, I got through the initial adjustment, then I began to look at other areas to cut back. Finally, I began to be able to live within my means again.
When I am suffering, it seems as if I will never be able to handle what God has sent me. Events in my life overwhelm me. Only the grace of God strengthens me. Confession heals me of my shortcomings. The Eucharist is food for the journey. Like a walking stick, the Sacraments give me something to lean on when I am tired of climbing the mountain.
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