Trusting God through Life’s transitions

Scripture for Mass

Acts 1:12-14

Psalm 27(26): 1. 4. 7-8a. Response: 13

1 Peter 4:13-16

John 17:1-11a

Major personal transitions – such as moving to another city, retiring from fulltime employment, or adapting to the loss of a loved one – are generally difficult. We miss the certainties of the past and feel anxious about finding our place in the new scheme of things. Meanwhile, we ponder about how to move forward with our life.

After the risen Christ had returned to his Father, his disciples experienced such a major transition as they awaited the coming of the Holy Spirit. On the one hand, they no longer experienced the comfort, encouragement and joy that the appearances of Christ had provided them. On the other hand, they did not yet feel ready and confident to continue the mission that he had entrusted to them.

However, as they grappled with this major transition, they must have felt hopeful that God would guide and provide for them, since he had already demonstrated his faithfulness and power in raising Jesus from the dead. Moreover, they recalled how Jesus had prayed for them and promised to accompany them until the end of time.

Therefore, during that major transition, Jesus’ disciples – including his mother – devoted themselves to prayer in order to remain attentive and receptive to God’s guidance and grace. And they were amply rewarded!

In a similar way, when we experience uncertainty and anxiety during major personal transitions, we too can recall experiences of God’s faithfulness and power. Furthermore, through frequent prayer. we too can remain attentive to his guidance and grace, confident that we will receive them in abundance.