Written By: Amy Reinhardt
Is your faith built on rock or sand?
In the seventh chapter of Matthew, Jesus says, “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand.” (Mat. 7:24, 26)
You can’t have faith without putting it into practice. There’s no snapping your fingers and creating a relationship with God. You do it by making time for daily prayer, the sacraments, scripture reflection, and trips to Eucharistic Adoration.
The more time we spend with God, the stronger our relationship becomes. Knowing that He is always with us impacts the way we approach suffering. Since you trust that God is good, you recognize He works all things for good. This trust is what forms your unshakable faith, rooted in rock, not sand.
I don’t understand why God gave me end-stage renal disease, and I won’t know for a long, long time. But I do know that this cross tested and strengthened my faith in extraordinary ways. It renewed my hope in the Lord’s goodness and made me a powerful witness.
It’s true that nightly 12-hour dialysis treatments could’ve cast me into despair months ago. Same goes for the repeat hospital stays. Instead, my faith kept my joy alive. My suffering wouldn’t have disappeared by resenting God. It would’ve made everything harder. Because of His generosity, I now have a life-giving hope that inspires others.
As we begin the Easter season, it’s not too late to reflect on the seventh chapter of Matthew’s gospel. Ask yourself, is my faith built on rock or sand? Will it withstand the strong winds or will it collapse?
Many associate the sacrament of Reconciliation with Lent, but Easter is also a season to visit the confessional. Reconciliation is essential for practicing our Catholic faith. Confessing our sins and amending our lives makes us stronger sons and daughters of Christ.
The immeasurable gift of God’s unconditional mercy is what we need to persevere. It’ll foster a steadfast foundation for enduring all of life’s sufferings, no matter what they are or when they come.
May your Easter season be filled with joy, beauty, and the chance to renew your love for the Lord.
At 28 years old, Amy Reinhardt has been an Ascension parishioner for over half her life. She led Disciples Dwelling and was heavily involved in the young adult ministry up until getting diagnosed with end-stage renal disease. She strives to radiate Christ’s light and love to all who are blessed to know her. If you’d like to read Amy’s health updates, follow https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/amyreinhardt.