Almost a century ago, English mystic Evelyn Underhill (1875–1941) wrote: “If … we desire a simple test of the quality of our spiritual life, a consideration of the tranquility, gentleness, and strength with which we deal with circumstances of our outward life will serve us better than anything that is based on the loftiness of our religious notions, or fervor of our religious feelings. Tranquility, gentleness, and strength … This is the threefold imprint of the Spirit on the souls surrendered to His great action.”

 

You are not alone. Recognize that God is with you; walking beside you and listening to your words, your heart and your emotions. This is what Jesus did with those 2 disciples on the road to Emmaus.

Friends, the journey is long, but there is still life to be lived. May we continue to live wisely and fearlessly with God at our side.

 

“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted forty days and forty nights …” (Matthew 4:1-2, NRSV).