SUNDAY: THE STRENGTH TO CONTINUE

Resilience in the Wrestling

Wrestling does not always bring resolution.
But it does teach us how to keep going.

Jesus carried His struggle—not as something to be quickly resolved,
but as something woven into His journey.
He did not pretend the weight wasn’t there, nor did He let it define Him.
He simply kept walking.

Resilience is not about having all the answers.
It is about continuing to show up.
To stay present.
To keep moving forward, even when the way is uncertain.

This is the heart of Dominica Tertia in Quadragesima—the Third Sunday of Lent.
Traditionally called Oculi Sunday, it comes from the words of the psalmist:

"Oculi mei semper ad Dominum."
"My eyes are always toward the Lord." (Psalm 25:15)

Even in the wrestling, the struggle, the unanswered questions—
our gaze is lifted.
Not to ignore what we carry,
but to remember that we do not carry it alone.

After all the wrestling, we are still here.
The struggle has not undone us.
It has shaped us.

And so, we stand.
We walk.
We continue.

A Practice: The Quiet Between Strides

Before the next step, there is a pause.

A breath drawn in.
A moment of stillness before movement resumes.

Even endurance has rhythm—
pressing forward,
pulling back,
settling,
beginning again.

It is not weakness to pause.
It is wisdom.

Here, in this space between,
what do you notice?
Where does your breath land?
What does your body tell you?
What truth lingers in the quiet?

Let yourself listen.

Closing Reflection: The Strength to Continue

Not every struggle resolves neatly.
But every struggle reveals something.

Ask yourself:

  • What have I learned from my wrestling this week?

  • What did I resist at the beginning that now feels different?

  • Where have I noticed God in the midst of this tension?

If you feel led, write a letter to yourself—
a reminder of what this week has held,
what it has asked of you,
and what it has given in return.

As you prepare for rest:
Place one hand on your heart, the other on your stomach.
Feel the steady rhythm of breath and pulse.

Whisper: "I do not have to have all the answers to keep walking."
"I am held, even in my wrestling."

Let this be your prayer.
Let this be your peace.