Today’s readings fuel the nostalgia settling in as I realize I am graduating college in a few months. It’s odd to think that about four years ago, I was nervously thinking about how to continue living my faith in college. I kept coming back to lines in the Bible similar to what is in today’s readings: “For my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples. Thus says the Lord GOD, who gathers the dispersed of Israel: Others will I gather to him besides those already gathered.” I took comfort in these lines as they assured me that if I grew past the stage at which I was, I would still be welcome. 

I reflect on this passage again as I sit in my workplace at STM, knowing I am so different from the anxious high schooler who did not know how she would keep her faith alive in college. My faith is not the same as it was then; it bears me more fruit and is more loving and alive outside of myself. My faith energizes and assures me as I walk through the world around me. 

My faith looks very different from four years ago; it has had to grow with me since it is too important for me to leave behind. I had much to learn for it to thrive. I still take comfort in readings like today’s: “... I have a testimony greater than John’s. The works that the Father gave me to accomplish, these works that I perform testify on my behalf that the Father has sent me.” Another side of me learned to lean on Jesus, and I am grateful for the words that brought me comfort as I explored a new part of my faith.