Faith, Struggle, and Rites of Passage

[Mark Dohle]

Faith, Struggle, and Rites of Passage​

The human existence here on earth is full of struggle, challenges, difficulties, sufferings, trials, and tears because of the Fall. I came to transform human suffering through My death and resurrection. The Holy Family lived the human condition through Me, with Me, and in Me; thus, their lives were transformed into love, the love of the Most Holy Trinity.​

Community, Love Crucified. Teaching Manual Love Crucified 2020
(p. 25). Kindle Edition.
++++++++++​

We all go through many rites of passage as we trek forward in our pilgrimage. Some are expected but carry a certain degree of uncertainty and suffering. As the saying goes: “Something gained, something lost”. The official meaning of this phrase is “A trade-off is a situation that involves losing one quality or aspect of something in return for gaining another quality or aspect. More colloquially, if one thing increases, some other thing must decrease”.

I have found out, that refusing to go forward with it leads to the lessening one’s quality of life. Not in the sense of wealth, but inner well-being and maturity. Every choice we make has a price. The easy choices are often damaging.

I can remember lying in bed one night in Panama thinking about my upcoming graduation from High School. I was conflicted. I was afraid of the world I was about to enter, unknown territory, and at the same time in equal measure excited about it. Graduation was not a big deal, but leaving home was. If I decided to back away from it because of fear of change or uncertainty I guess my life would have turned out differently. Once fear becomes a controlling factor, the walls go up and security becomes supreme.

Entering the military was another rite of passage. At first, it was very difficult, but it did not last long. I had to adapt, so I did. The first day in boot camp is still a day that I can remember even though it was 57 years ago. It was an awful day. However, after the first week, things got easier and by the time I arrived at Midway Island in September 1967, my life was much better. So, what if I ran away from the ‘first day’, well I believe things would have gotten much worse. Going forward is what we have to do.

My faith helped a lot since I had an inner world to enter and pray, and I believe received inspiration. So, it went. Change can bring moments of anxiety but it has to be gone through, Most times we are better for it.

I guess as we age the “rites of passage” increase. Most of them I believe have to do with health issues and the death of friends and family members. My high school is starting to lose members at an ever-increasing pace. Family members dying, brothers and sisters, two nieces and a nephew are painful passages. I did not know many of my classmates, but still feel a connection with them. Some who have died I liked. We all observe others, and some stand out. So, in my High School class, some of whom I miss, even if I did not know them well. Once we have a connection, even if not on the level of friendship they have a place in our hearts, and when they die, even a small flame is missed, often more than one thought possible.

Since I turned 70, I would say that I have gone through more than a few rites of passage. Most of them are health-related, which I imagine is a very common experience. Each time I have had some health issues I had to face many truths on a level I never had to deal with. I do not bounce back like I used to. If I were a basketball I would be about half filled with air. So, the bounce is a wee bit weaker than in the past.

Struggle, problems, pain, and fear, are part of life, along with pleasure, joy, and love. It is best to embrace what each day brings because it will be here only once. Trust the process, and stay rooted in the presence of God. -Br.MD