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Sister Edith, an elderly missionary sister, asked: “As Jesus’ followers, why are we often reluctant to follow his teachings, while Jesus, our Savior, our Messiah, and the Son of God labors persistently every day to keep us faithful and unwavering as his loyal followers?” The class sat silently still waiting for someone to break the silence.

 Sensing the stunned reaction on the students, Sister Edith gently broke the soundless quiet: “Jesus loves us all very much, and, simply stated, we are related to him through our Baptism. From the moment the baptismal waters touch us, we become adopted brothers and sisters of Jesus. Then God, His father, becomes our Father too.” What Sister just shared was certainly enough to convince her young missionaries.

However, Sister Edith had more to share. “Jesus also has a more personal reason to be persistent.  Jesus suffered and died for all his followers. He did this so that when they died, they would go to heaven to be with him, his Father, and yes, his mother too.”

Jesus is deeply invested in his followers’ eternal life and safety, and for this reason Jesus doesn’t  want them to lose what He so painfully died to give them: their salvation. And Jesus doesn’t want anyone to be lost or to perish.

This is why Jesus never gives up bringing home anyone who strays. He readily gives mercy and forgiveness as often as needed.  Since his death and resurrection set them free from sin, He doesn’t want anyone to lose this glorious opportunity through scurrilous or unscrupulous behaviors.

Besides his persistence, Jesus invites the Holy Spirit to remind believers of His promises, especially his desire to spend eternity with his family members in heaven.

Francis de Sales wrote: “It is good to know that the relationships we make on this earth will be continued in heaven.” Jesus loves these words and wants them to come true for all his followers.

Yet, Jesus understands that although baptized in grace we still wear the flesh of Adam and Eve and plus we still possess free will. These are the reasons Jesus and the Holy Spirit diligently help all God’s people choose heaven.  And if they fail, they keep trying until all return safely to this life-giving friendship.

Sr. Edith reminded her students that Jesus won’t abandon them. And he never will!  He would rather love them then have them punish. Our compassionate God waits patiently for the Holy Spirit to stir the flames of faith. Lastly, Jesus hopes we trust God his Father. Sr Edith maintains God’s timetable doesn’t always sync with ours. She concluded, “Trust God and wait patiently following Jesus. When we do, we delight Jesus.” And Sister Edith added, “You will make me very happy too!”