Isaiah 42:1–7; John 12:1–11

“I believe that I shall see the bounty of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord with courage; be stouthearted, and wait for the Lord. The Lord is my light and my salvation.” (Psalm 27)

This time four years ago I was a lukewarm Catholic. My prayer life was minimal, and I inconsistently attended Sunday mass. I didn’t even know what Eucharistic Adoration was. Several months later, heartbroken, I found myself crying in a pew at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Ann Arbor, Michigan. That heartbreak sparked the start of my reversion to being on fire for the Lord. In the years since, life grew harder with mystery health issues my doctors couldn’t solve.

Over-the-counter pain medication did nothing for the pain, and I refused anything that altered my consciousness, so night after night for weeks I sat alone in the dark, praying for strength to endure. I’d struggle to pray the Rosary aloud, battling crippling anxiety that I’d end up on a feeding tube and wither away at 31. By God’s grace, I secured an appointment with a very busy Physical Therapist who dramatically eased the pain and related issues. These health trials aren’t over, but looking back, I see God calling me to wait on Him, to trust Him.

Now, when these symptoms arise, I turn to God: He is my light and my salvation.

In today’s chaotic, busy world, it’s easy to get lost in things beyond our control and neglect prayer, Adoration, or Sunday mass. Often, only a breaking experience prompts us to stop and listen - if our hearts are open. God yearns for us to know Him, trust Him, and rely on His perfect timing in everything.

Andi Bustamante

What experiences of my life have brought me closer to God? How has my relationship with God grown? What concrete steps can I take to deepen my friendship with and reliance on God?

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