“If you have to go through a divorce, thank God you are Catholic!” I exclaimed to a group of divorced and separated Catholics. A puzzled look replaced the mostly pain-filled expressions I saw staring back at me. I knew what they were thinking: “How is being Catholic going to get me out of this mess?” Fair question. The short answer: The Eucharist.
God never intended us to go through any life tragedy, especially one as monumental as divorce, simply relying on our own strength. Yet, so many people do. They either totally ignore God, or are completely ignorant of the promise He has made to always help them through difficult times (Hebrews 13:6). Sadly, the world is filled with these weary souls who now resign themselves to a life of hopelessness and pain. The truth is God accompanies us on every twist and turn through life, giving us everything we need to succeed. And the sacraments are the cornerstone of His success plan, especially the Eucharist. Those that have armed themselves with their faith, and strengthened themselves with the Eucharist, have a supernatural advantage in their battle; one that insures them of victory over hardship and despair. How could you not overcome the greatest odds, and be restored to the fullness of life, when you rely on the Creator of the Universe instead of your own wimpy, human self? Give yourself an unfair advantage in the battles life throws at you. Get Christ, unfiltered and undiluted, in the Eucharist, and He will be the source of all the strength you need.
If I am distracted, Holy Communion helps me to become recollected. If opportunities are offered each day to offend my God, I arm myself anew each day for the combat by the reception of the Eucharist. If I am in special need of light and prudence in order to discharge my burdensome duties, I draw nigh to my Savior and seek counsel and light from him. – St. Thomas More
Originally posted 2014-11-18 06:00:26.
Thank you for sharing this post!!! I always share my two favorite verses with my children and loved ones, paraphrased, “Faith things possible, not easy,” and “ Believe that God will give you what you need today, and He will.” This is another example of my living faith! When I went through my divorce I would say, “Being Catholic the best until you go through a divorce” every Homily, reading, and event highlighted the Family, as it should, but, family, a simple word, something that always brought joy, now was bringing so much pain since my family was shattering. Looking back I have come to a realization that God had not abandoned us, but had surrounded us with angels helped me through it with the love of my family, immediate and extended! Friendships were strengthened and I never felt alone thanks to these wonderful angels! My Faith and Family have always been the two most important aspects in my life and I was devastated to be in crisis with both!! I started asking why? How could this happen? Then, I felt guilty for asking these questions so I started praying harder since it was hard for me to get the will to pray. I started to see little miracles in our lives every day, and, that is when I decided to think of the positives that had arisen from this tragedy. To my surprise, there were so many blessings and at first I thought, how can something so painful bring out so many blessings? Then, the Passion of the Christ, came to mind, and I felt shame to think that throughout my separation and divorce I felt like I was the only one who had gone through so much pain, the only one who had ever been heartbroken, and wanted answers so badly instead of staying faithful and trusting God’s heart! I didn’t mean to be selfish but I lost sight of God through the pain and heartache because as soon as I set my eyes back on God, these beautiful little miracles blessed me, and flowed into my children through me and I started to get answers. Okay, maybe not the answers I had been craving but answers that helped me through to the next side, I thought I understand now that when you’re heartbroken and in so much despair you are the closest you will ever be to Holy Trinity since there is NOTHING God has not gone through so He can relate to EVERYONE. Then, I understood why Jesus had to be human so he could go understand ALL the human feelings, frailties, and even conquer death so we could also one day do the same. God truly understands our pain and all He wants to do is wrap His arms around us with Grace and unconditional love and all we have to do is to allow Him. What a priceless gift we have in Him??♥️??? Thank you again for sharing!!!
I love your perspective! So hopeful! Thanks for sharing!!
Live Abundantly,
Vince