This past week, several people that I care for let me know that they are suffering in some way.

I am an empathetic person, meaning I tend to really feel the feelings of others around me. My heart was heavy for my friends and family who are suffering.

To help bring Jesus’ care to one of them, I suggested praying the Surrender Novena together. Little did I know that it would end up bringing Jesus’ care to me as I worried for them.

I don’t know about you, but I tend to get more vulnerable in my prayer when I or someone I care about is suffering something.

I tell Jesus all about it, asking for His help daily – actually, as many times during the day that I find myself worrying.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9a

In this coming Sunday’s Second Reading, Saint Paul is talking about how he suffers, and Jesus tells him what the verse above says.

Jesus knows we tend to draw closer to Him when we are suffering or when we are worried about what someone else we care about is suffering.

The more we come to Him for help, the more of His grace and blessings He will give us.

Whether it’s physical suffering, mental suffering, stress, anxiety, addiction, or bad habits, Jesus wants us to come to Him.

He has broad shoulders to cry on, arms to hold us, love to comfort us, and grace to strengthen us.

Nothing we come to Jesus with will shock Him or cause Him to turn away from us. Read again what Jesus told Saint Paul…it’s quite the opposite.

Blessings of grace to you!