The Gospel According to Transitions by Father Santiago

Transitions in life, whether big or small, are a constant in our journey. Whether it’s a major move, starting a new job, welcoming a newborn, or losing a loved one, we all face moments of change that challenge and shape us. Our faith provides guidance and hope in these seasons of life.

 

As we travel through the Scriptures, we see this constant theme of God’s people moving. God calls Abram to take his family and move to the place He promises them. Later we see the Israelites called out to be God’s people from the land of Egypt by God’s great power. And still later Ruth and Naomi travel to find refuge in a new land. The Bible is full of stories of God’s people on the move, facing change. Even Jesus lived a life of transition, moving from place to place, often with nowhere to lay His head (Luke 9).

 

What is constant in these stories is God’s faithfulness. Despite the uncertainty and fear that often accompany transitions, God’s promise to us remains: “I am with you.” This assurance is repeated throughout Scripture, I will be with you through it all.

 

This promise is fulfilled in Jesus, who, before his ascension, assures the disciples, “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). In every transition, the Gospel speaks of a God who is intimately involved in our lives, who walks with us through every change, and who is faithful to his promises.

 

In my own life, I’ve experienced many transitions, and through them, God has taught me to trust in his presence and his purpose. It is always a challenging process. I have learned that in times of transition, my best prayer is, “Lord, increase my faith – help me to trust you more fully.” The Gospel reminds us to fix our eyes on Jesus, to rely on his love and guidance, and to let our hearts be saturated with his peace and hope. In this time of transition, let us be saturated by the peace and love of Jesus. Whether the days ahead are hard or filled with expectation, we can find comfort in knowing that we are never alone. God is with us, faithfully leading us through every season of life.