“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. And let perseverance be perfect, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and he will be given it. But he should ask in faith, not doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed about by the wind” (James 1: 2-6).
I have always seen this verse as the Christian journey, knowing that everything is given from a generous and loving Father. Perseverance is the unsung attribute of discipleship that pushes us to take up our cross and follow the Lord daily (Cf. Lk. 9:23). It is the attribute that challenges us to move beyond the daily trials—that are inevitable—and continue to put our faith, hope, and love in the Lord.
This is also the attribute of SJPII Classical School that I have come to appreciate. As we celebrate our upcoming anniversary of 10 years, this school and this community can be seen as the true fruit of perseverance. And the more we continue to do the work of God, the more we will encounter various trials; and let’s pray that our perseverance becomes perfect. — Headmaster Eric Schreiber
St. John Paul II Classical School and Chesterton Academy are of the Green Bay Area Catholic Education (GRACE) School System. They are private Catholic classical schools serving Montessori preschool and elementary through high school. They have open enrollment and provide an individualized education in an integrated faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually. Learn more by scheduling a visit.
