Commentary on the Gospel of
When I was a child, my parents would meet my every failure or setback by saying, “If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again.” Their goal, of course, was to instill in me the virtues of persistence, patience, and perseverance.
Noah is a great model for all of these virtues. Directed by God to build and fill the ark, he persisted in this effort, trusting in God’s word despite the mocking of his neighbors. Once in the ark, he and his family waited patiently through the forty days of rain and the days that it took for the earth to dry. He persevered, sending the dove out time and time again. waiting until the land was dry and once again suitable for people to live there.
When faced with the difficulties of life we, like Noah, can rely on persistence, patience, and perseverance, grounded in our trust of God who always keeps his promises.
