Many times we hear of Saints — or even some people we know — that have a great devotion to the Blessed Mother, to the Rosary, and to the Holy Eucharist. For those of us that wouldn’t describe ourselves as ‘devoted’, we can sometimes get the wrong impression about what it actually means to be devoted.
We think of being devoted as the ‘honeymoon phase’ of faith, where we’re head over heels, fully consumed, and utterly infatuated with the other. For example, praying the Rosary might become a really enjoyable experience during this time. But, this view of devotion doesn’t paint a complete picture.
A strong devotion doesn’t just mean that we love when it’s easy, but when it’s hard, when it hurts, when times are tough...when it’s easier not to.
As we know (or may have already experienced ourselves), the ‘honeymoon’ ends. And when the ‘honeymoon’ ends,the clouds roll in — that’s where the real devotion kicks in. We’re called to love the other person even when times are tough.
The same is true for matters of faith. There are times when we don’t feel like going to Mass or praying the Rosary, but those times are opportunities to strengthen our devotion.