How a relationship with Jesus enriched my life Part 3

by Debbi Mesa (Parish Manager)

To answer this question, I thought it would be beneficial to review the definition of the words “change” and “enrich”.

Change (verb):

make (someone or something) different; alter or modify

Enrich (verb):

improve or enhance the quality or value of

I am what most refer to as a “Cradle Catholic” because I was Baptized as an infant. In fact, my Baptism was the first time my parents brought me out of the house after I was born. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (405) states “Baptism, by imparting the life of Christ’s grace, erases original sin and turns a man back toward God, but the consequences for nature, weakened and inclined to evil, persist in man and summon him to spiritual battle.” If this is true (which I believe it is), my life “changed” and was “enriched” because my Baptism was the beginning of a new life in Christ.

Both my parents were very devout Catholics, so my upbringing was founded on our faith. As a family, we went to 9am Mass every Sunday, where my dad sang in the Choir (which back then was called the Folk Group). Many of my aunts, uncles and cousins would attend the same Mass and afterwards all would gather at one of our homes for donuts and bagels. I guess you could say my Catholic identity has been the essence of who I am as a person, even from the beginning of my existence and how I have lived my life still to this day. While this sounds simple and perfect, neither could be further from the truth. Life has not always been easy. Myself and my loved ones have faced several great challenges (as many other have) and spiritual battles. I assume this is what the Catechism is referencing in the 2nd half of that statement about man enduring spiritual battle.

I often ponder how someone who does not have a personal relationship with Jesus is able to navigate life’s challenges and spiritual battles. My relationship with Jesus is very real and has provided me with constant strength, faith, hope, comfort, peace, perseverance, and gratitude especially in the most difficult times. Jesus loves me abundantly, He never leaves me, He is always trying to guide and protect me. Jesus never gives up on me, He believes in me, He is always in my corner. So, how has being in a relationship with Jesus changed/enriched my life…I would not be the person I am if I were not in a relationship with him.