God’s Signposts

   As we travel to an unfamiliar destination it’s very important that we pay attention to the signs along the way.  If we are using a GPS we must listen to the directions we are given.  Otherwise we are likely to become lost and never arrive at our desired destination.  Worse yet, we may lose our way completely and wander in circles trying to find the right path.

   Our spiritual life is very much the same.  We know where we want to go but we aren’t always sure which is the best route to take to get there.  Each of us has a route that God has planned for us but we may not readily recognize His signposts and can lose our way.  The fact that other’s routes may be greatly different than ours makes it even more important to pay attention to God’s directions for us.

   The best place to find the signposts of God is the Bible.  The ten commandments, the prophesies and the gospels all point us to the right path.  The Acts of the Apostles and the letters of the early evangelists give us additional directions for the path God has for us.  The writings of the early Church Fathers can also provide help in our journey.

   Once on the right path, however, we can’t just keep going without looking for the signs along the way that will help us in our journey.  We also need places to stop for a while and rest; places to eat and regain our strength to continue our trip.  When on the highway we look for our favorite restaurants or the right hotel to stop at for the night’s rest.  In our spiritual journey we can get rest and refreshment at Mass and through the Sacraments.

   When traveling we usually review our route before we start out for the day.  We understand that there is the possibility of taking the wrong turn and getting lost.  We should do the same for our spiritual journey.  We can review our route through readings, meditations and prayers to help us identify God’s path and the wrong turns that Satan will surely put before us.

   Whether an earthly vacation or the spiritual journey to God good planning, proper preparation and constant diligence in staying on the right path is vital.  By following the guidelines and signposts God gives us along the way we can safely reach our heavenly destination.