Filled With God

   “He will fill us with Himself for everything we give up for Him.” (Pope Benedict XVI; “Seek That Which is Above”)

   The trappings of this world have clouded the ability to see reality in many ways.  Pride, fame and recognition are seen as necessary to a successful life.  Money is the way to happiness according to society.  

   Faith in God requires sacrificing many of those supposed necessities of life.  Pride leads only to sin, fame never lasts and those recognized today will be forgotten tomorrow.  Worldly success is based in large part on the deceit and lies of Satan.  In the long run, concern for these worldly signs of success lead only to loss and disappointment.

   If we give up the worldly desires, God will replace them with Himself.  Pride will be replaced with humility; the realization that we are dependent upon God’s graces for all we do.  Humility teaches us to reach out to Him in recognition that without Him we are nothing.

   When the desire for fame is eliminated God will show us our true value.  The value that comes only from becoming sons of God.  Self-worth based on worldly standards is false and fleeting; understanding our worth as a child of God is eternal.

   Recognition by others gained by the ideals of this world will not last.  Candidates for high political office are readily recognized during the election but rarely remembered should they lose.  Entertainers and sports icons are quickly forgotten once they are no longer at the top of their game.  A life of faith may not bring worldly fame but the angels and the saints in heaven know those who are God’s own.  They will welcome us home.

   We can be filled by God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit but we must make room for them in our lives.  We must turn from the things valued in this world and seek what is truly of value; God within us.

Lord, help me to overcome the allures of this world.

Help me to reject worldly desires and seek only You.

Amen.