February 5, St. Agatha

Blessed be God my salvation.-- Psalm 18:(see 47)

Mass readings: Sirach 47:2-11 / Mark 6:14-29

Perseverance and Resolve

Today, as we celebrate another saint of the early Church: Agatha. I can't help but notice one common characteristic our saints possess. Whether they're the members of the early Church or today's Church, they each have an internal strength, or resolve, brought about by the powerful faith given to them from the Holy Spirit.

When I started writing today's devotional, I needed inner strength to face another struggle brought by mental illness. Part of my brain is bombarding me with fearful thoughts and images of things yet to be or may never be. Another crisis, forcing me to seek my therapist for an unscheduled visit. With her, I will review the tools to use and try to rewire these neuron-pathways. A process that can take years of struggle.

Prayer: Lord, help me face these inner challenges. Give me the strength to persevere.