Spiritual Corner - In Search of God’s Face

The theme of the Second Sunday in Lent is “The Transfiguration of Jesus”. For believers, with faith, they can truly experience Jesus’ calling. Even though they might express doubts when confronted with difficulties, asking: “I have already sacrificed so much for the Church, why me?” Despite mounting difficulties, true believers rely on their persistent trust and will persevere through hardships. For non-believers, on the other hand, all is nonsense.

A young nun, like St. Theresa of Lisieux, was determined to become a nun at a very young age, travelled from the North to join a religious order in the South. When asked, “You are so young, why do you want to go to the south to join a religious order?” Her answer, “I just want to become a nun.” Seeking God’s face is that simple! 

Today’s First Reading reminded me the time when my mother took me to the train station to see me off. The train started to move, but mom remained on the platform. As the train continued to move forward, tears started to well my eyes. A voice came into my head, “Leave your homeland and your family, go to the place I lead you. I will bless you, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you, people will be blessed because of you.” Whenever I encounter hardships and wanted to get away, I always remember
this passage from the scripture. Less than a month after joining the religious order, I had a minor car accident and suffered a concussion. On a Thursday, during daytime prayer, the words of Psalm 118 came to me, “It is good for me that I was afflicted, so that I might learn your statutes.” This was like a lightning rod hitting on my thick skull, and broke my stubbornness. It made me patiently learn God’s statutes, faithfully listen to His Words. Seeking God’s face is just this simple!

For those who are sincerely searching for God’s face, do not give up because of hardships in life. On the contrary, calm down, let go of any self-blame, self-pity, grievances and resentment. Meditate about Jesus and His Precious Blood in your heart every day, day after day. Given time, Jesus will definitely take root, blossom and bear fruit in your heart. Seeking God’s face is so simple!

Yours,
Sr. Magdalena Yang