By Angie Koenig

“May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us that thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving power among all nations.” ~Psalm 67:1-2

Like many of you, I’m sure, I often wonder what it will be like when, God willing, I get to Heaven. Will it be a slow progression of understanding my surroundings, or will it be an instant realization of the glory being revealed? Will the saints be waiting to greet me, or will that Radiant Face I’ve been longing to see my entire life be the first thing I see welcoming me home? These are beautiful images to reflect on, but for so much of my life, I was continually focused on what it would be like when instead of opening my eyes to the brilliance of now.  

Blessed are the Persistent

In today’s Gospel, we hear of the woman who, despite seemingly being rejected by Jesus, persists in seeking healing for her daughter, and in that persistence, in that belief that even she could bring her need to Him, she is praised, not just for her faith, but for her great faith. She believed Jesus could heal her daughter and she did not give up. She didn’t wait for when; she had faith in the now.   

Known Upon Earth

We were born for a certain time to carry out a certain mission, and our time is now. We don’t have to wait for when we get to Heaven to see God’s face shine upon us. We can see it in the faces of those we meet and encounter every day. We can see it with every sunrise and sunset, and we can find it in the difficult moments where our faith gets tested and we are called to persevere even when all seems lost.

It is the belief in His goodness during the challenges of life that help to show others just how great faith can be. May our faith be a witness to those around us of His saving power and make His goodness known, that the world may come to praise Him and see that Radiant Face all around them in His Kingdom on this earth.

Prayer:

My King and my God, may You look with kindness on me that, dazzled by the brightness of Your love and Your look of complete affection, I may face every challenge that comes my way with faith in Your goodness and perseverance when the answer doesn’t come easily. Give me the grace of great faith, that my life may build up Your Kingdom on earth, all for Your greater glory. Amen.

Call to Action:

Reflect on the moments in your daily life where you feel like God might be inviting you to see His radiance in a different way. Maybe it’s as simple as smiling at someone you walk by in the grocery store or being intentional and present with those around you.

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