Pilgrim progress- a disciple on a journey!

Sharing Sr. Kathryn's column which is printed weekly in the church bulletin of St. Peter and Paul's Parish, Athlone.    "At a particularly difficult moment, when waves of negativity threatened to swamp me, some of my friends tried to help me snap out of it. Well intentioned, they gave wise counsel and offered various strategies for getting on top of it. Some tried a hearty and cheerful approach. Try as I might, I couldn’t put it into practice. More bad feelings! However, at my lowest ebb, one small phrase filtered through the fog. These strangely encouraging words imparted light and strength: “Kath, now more than ever, you are a real disciple.” I remembered these words when praying today’s Gospel. Simon, Andrew, James and John know the thrill and challenge of being called by Jesus. Without doubt, they are filled with expectations of something new and wonderful. They will have expert training to equip them for their mission, they hold onto the promise of succ...

Following Jesus is easy, said no-one ever! Just in case one happened to live with that illusion, today’s first reading is a stark reminder that as Christians we are constantly battling between what we want and what God’s plan has designed for us: "My child, when you come to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for trials . Be sincere of heart and steadfast , undisturbed in time of adversity. Cling to him, forsake him not; thus will your future be great. Accept whatever befalls you, in crushing misfortune be patient; For in fire gold is tested, and worthy men in the crucible of humiliation. Trust God and he will help you; make straight your ways and hope in him. You who fear the LORD, wait for his mercy, turn not away lest you fall. You who fear the LORD, trust him, and your reward will not be lost. You who fear the LORD, hope for good things, for lasting joy and mercy. Study the generations long past and understand; has anyone hoped in the LORD and been disappointed? Has anyone pers...