The Journey Continues...
Reflection by Monica Thom Konschnik, Catholic Apostolate Center Staff and former Jesuit Volunteer
During this time of Lent, we fasted, prayed, and gave alms. During Holy Week, we prepared our hearts for the resurrection of Christ. During the Triduum, we experienced the agony of Christ’ s suffering and death. And now we rejoice in Christ’ s rising from the dead! What a journey we have been on these past forty days. As we enter into this Easter season, we need to remember the preparation and suffering we experienced in the time leading up to Easter: it is only through struggles that we can fully dwell in the beauty of triumph.
As those who are either currently in service or who have spent time in long-term service, you know about the agonies that come along with being a volunteer. You are living in community; working in a stressful and emotional job; simplifying your materials possessions to make more time for relationships; deepening your relationship with Christ; figuring out who you are away from the comforts of home, family, and friends; and preparing for life after service. All of this individually and put together can cause stress and agony in your life. But only once we have experienced the despair of the unknown and the realities of our current situation, can we look forward to the beauty that comes with life sorting itself out.
“ Let us take this time of joy to remember how far we have journeyed during Lent. Think about how you were able to stretch yourself, pray more, and give of yourself to others. Remember the frustrations and doubt you felt. Now, dwell in the beauty of all of you have experienced and how far you have come to this point in the Easter season.” resurrected into who I am today. I had trust that everything would work out according to God’ s plan and that my agony would not be for nothing.( Spoiler alert: everything did work out according to God’ s plan and my agony was not for nothing.)
Let us take this time of joy to remember how far we have journeyed during Lent. Think about how you were able to stretch yourself, pray more, and give of yourself to others. Remember the frustrations and doubt you felt. Now, dwell in the beauty of all of you have experienced and how far you have come to this point in the Easter season.
Think back to the beginning of your time of service and the struggles you had to overcome to be where you are now. Whether you are a volunteer now or are 5, 15, or 35 years out of service, draw back to your time of service and think back to all you experienced. Take the time to acknowledge the journey and where you are now because of that journey. Take time to appreciate the beauty of Christ’ s death that leads to his resurrection. Go beyond, but always remember, the agony of Good Friday which makes the joy of Easter Morning so much more special.
Looking back at my own year of service, I remember well the time around Easter: figuring out my next steps, teaching rambunctious second graders, being present to my community, coming into my own in terms of my faith, dealing with relationships, and not knowing how everything would turn out. Like Jesus, I had to wander in the desert. I needed to experience uncertainty, confusion, doubt, anxiety, and fear. I needed to die to myself in order to be
I encourage you to continue keep your Lenten journey going in some way. Maybe you developed a new prayer method or helped someone in need. Learn more about our faith through resources from Catholic Volunteer Network and the Catholic Apostolate Center. CVN has resources on living in community, discernment, and sharing your story. The Catholic Apostolate Center has resources on prayer, vocational discernment, and Catholic Social Teaching.
Monica Thom Konschnik is the Assistant Director of Administration for the Catholic Apostolate Center. She also serves on the Catholic Volunteer Network Board of Directors. Monica served as a Jesuit Volunteer in New Orleans, LA in 2006-07.