By Sr. Josephine Garret, CSFN
This post is based off of Sr. Josephine’s SEEK25 talk, found here.
“Your joy makes even the lame sprint.”
The Kerygma: The Melody of Our Faith
This whole conference has been a return to the kerygma—the core message of the Gospel.
If salvation history is a song, the kerygma is the melody.
It’s the truth every other truth depends on. And when you hear it—really hear it—it changes you. It wrecks your life.
When Jesus Wrecked My Plans
Twenty years ago, I became Catholic. My dream life was simple:
- Climb the corporate ladder.
- Earn a fancy title.
- Make as much money as possible.
- Buy nice things.
Then I encountered Jesus in the Eucharist. He didn’t condemn those desires—but He did ask me:
“What if I became your treasure? Your inheritance? Your wealth?”
I said yes. And I have never been more grateful for the wrecking of my plans.
The Cost of Following Christ
Discipleship will cost you. Joy in Christ is often born in suffering—married to the Cross.
It’s a Slow Process
Holiness takes time. I’ve walked with Jesus in the Eucharist for two decades, and I still have far to go.
Being a Christian doesn’t mean never falling—it means getting up after you fall.
Our ongoing need for Him is not a weakness—it’s a testimony to His faithfulness.
You’ll Carry a Cross
Jesus’ invitation is clear:
“If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me” (Mt 16:24).
Your cross is unique, unrepeatable, and already carried in part by Him.
Crosses aren’t just the big moments—they show up in daily life:
- A hard conversation you don’t want to have.
- The humility of apologizing.
- Choosing love when it’s inconvenient.
Your Heart Will Be Pierced
Following Christ means sharing in His pierced heart. You’ll become more aware of the wounds of the Body of Christ—and you’ll be invited to abide with Him in that pain.
Your Priorities Will Flip
Things you once loved may no longer fit. God will reorder your loves, relationships, and habits. And yes—some relationships that harm your soul will need to change.
You’ll Let Go of Sin
We cling to sin because we think it meets our needs. But sin is a cheap substitute for the love of God.
Jesus never said there would be no yoke—He said to take His yoke.
It’s still a burden, but it’s one you carry with Him.
Be Generous—Let Him Wreck Your Life
Over the years, I’ve been blessed to walk alongside many of you in ministry. You are a gift to the Church—a necessary member of the Body of Christ.
If you weren’t here, the Church would grieve your absence.
“Joined to Him, you will do even greater things.”
So when it costs you—when it burns—don’t be afraid. Every cross you carry is part of His Cross, which is ultimately a proposal: to be united to Him so deeply that you become like Him.
Say yes to that proposal. Again and again. And let discipleship wreck your life.
How to Say “Yes” Daily
- Spend time in Eucharistic Adoration.
- Go to Confession regularly.
- Ask Jesus, “What cross are You inviting me to carry today?”
- Surround yourself with friends who encourage holiness.
Additional Resources
Check out more from SEEK here on our blog:
These SEEK Talks Will Change Your Life
The Eucharist: A Path to Mental Health Healing
Give
