Discernment and obedience often are conflicting journeys. The call to obedience should dominate my life, even if I have not fully discerned why I am being taken on this journey.

Mary and Elijah followed his call, regardless of the cost to them personally. The riches and graces received were far outweighed by any worldly tribulations they had to endure. They tell us, in different ways, how we have to endure troubles as parents, as leaders and as disciples of his cause.

Unfortunately our culture wants answers on everything immediately. We don’t want to follow the “narrow gate” when called, and rely heavily on our own skills and reasoning to deal with all the problems of our worlds. Psychology and man’s capacities to self-medicate himself dominate. We question when we are being asked to do something for “spiritual purposes” as if it’s some form of hocus-pocus. Intolerance of religious freedom overlooks a secular landscape.

Without a spiritual sense, man relying on himself is alone. Alone we are scared, defensive, aggressive, self-centered, confused and dismayed. Those who are in conversation with God, inviting him in their lives have an easier time. They have a friend they can rely on.

Bringing the learning of following His ways to others is not just important as a disciple of Christ, but also for ourselves. Each time someone else is positively affected by the light of God in their lives, our own bulbs are recharged, giving us more grace to share with others.