Sunset and Sunrise

   This evening the sun will set on 2019.  Tomorrow morning, God willing, the sun will rise on a new year.  There will be dinners and parties tonight celebrating the opportunities of the coming year.  Memories of this year and hopes and plans for the new year will be shared.  Resolutions will be made, most of which will be quickly forgotten.

   As a part of daily prayers an examination of conscience is important.  A time to review the day looking for the blessings of God and for the times we may have failed to follow His ways.  A time to thank Him for all He has done for us and to apologize and seek forgiveness for the times we’ve failed Him.  It doesn’t take long but it’s a very good way to grow in spirituality.

   It’s amazing how often the presence of God is evident in our life if we look for it.  It’s humbling to recognize how often we fail to live according to His will.  It’s encouraging and comforting to know that God forgives us our failings and desires to help us in our efforts to do better.

   As this year ends let’s look back over the past twelve months.  It’s good to evaluate our life; where we have been and where we plan to go.  If we are going to make resolutions, make those that will bring us closer to God.  Above all let’s resolve to love God with all our heart, our mind and our soul and our neighbor as ourselves.

Lord I turn to You in this new year.

I seek Your will in all I do.

Be with me I pray.

Guide me on my way home to You.

Amen

Imagine

   “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him,” (1 Cor 2: 9)

   Imagine never feeling hunger or thirst; never knowing sickness or pain.  Imagine a relationship with God in which He is a loving Father and we are His children.  As a loving Father He provides what is best for His children.  All He does is out of the purest of love.

   Imagine being able to walk with God, talking as you would to your dearest friend; assured of an eternal love from One who is Love itself. That is the relationship our first parents had with God.  He walked with them, communed with them and provided for all their needs.

   Pride, inflamed by Satan, caused them to give up the perfection God had provided for them in a desire to be like Him; to be able to determine good and evil.  But don’t blame them too much since we do the same each day.  Their sin was one of pride and ours is no different.  We too want to define good and evil.  We want to decide right from wrong.  We too want to be like God.

   This world will pass away in a flash, but our soul lives forever.  The eternal life offered by Jesus through His life, death and resurrection is the life we are meant to have by God’s design.  He created us to be with Him and we can never truly be ourselves until we are with Him.

   Imagine eternity in a place of peace, light and eternal love.  Imagine the joy of being in the presence of God.  Imagine living the life that God intended for us.  One day we will know what God has prepared for those who love Him.

Father, You created us to love You.

You created us for You to love.

Fill our hearts with that love.

Take away our pride and lead us to You.

Amen

In Stillness

   “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46: 10)

   Wherever I go, whatever I do, God is there.  He is in the majesty of sunrise and sunset.  His glory shines in the heavens, He is heard in the thunderstorm as His lightning flashes.  His presence is always near, He is with me always.  What an incredible blessing!

   And yet I find Him most easily in the stillness.  In the quiet of my heart I know Him, in the silence He comes to me.  Elijah did not find God in the earthquake or the wind or the fire, but in the still small voice. (See 1 Kings 19: 11 – 13).  The world is full of noise, mostly the noise and turmoil brought by Satan.  The stillness is rare and to be prized for it is there that I can best be with my God.

   In the stillness of the Adoration Chapel before the Blessed Sacrament I am close to Jesus and He is close to me.  In silent prayer I seek Him, and He responds.  The quiet times with God strengthen me, they give me comfort and solace.  I am aware of His love and mercy; the joy of being with Him.

   No matter where I go or what I do I will always seek the quiet.  It is there that I meet my Lord.

Lord, I find You in the silence.

You are most present to me in the quiet.

The world is so noisy.

Help me find the stillness and You.

Amen

The Spirit of Christmas

   The Spirit of Christmas is the Spirit of God.  He lowered Himself to become one like us.  He became a man subject to the same temptations, trials and tribulations as any other man.  He lived as we live in all ways except sin.  It’s odd to think of it but I think He probably suffered the same scrapped knees, bumps and bruises of any child learning to walk.  He probably had days when He didn’t feel well.  Perhaps something He ate didn’t agree with Him.

   He became man, allowing us to relate to Him as we do to other men.  It’s sometimes hard to picture God the Father or God the Holy Spirit, but we can easily picture God the Son.  Even though we’ve never seen Him we can have a sense of how He looked, how He moved, and how He lived His life.  He, though always remaining God, was truly a man.  He was tempted as we are, suffered hunger as we do, knew rejection, abandonment and betrayal.  Finally He suffered death, a horrible death on a cross.  He was God become man to offer forgiveness for our sins and open the doors of heaven to those who believe.

   Christmas is over, but it can still reign in our hearts.  We can always look to the infant Jesus, the child Jesus, the man Jesus and our Savior to show us the way.  If we allow, He will help us live in the Christmas Spirit each day of our lives and join Him in eternal glory when this life is done.

Jesus, You came to save me.

Out of love you died for me.

In Your glory You will come back for me.

Help me to live with You always in my heart.

Amen

The Right Thing

   "My obligation is to do the right thing.  The rest is in God's hands."  (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.)

   In so many things there is so little I can do.   I can't change much in this world but I can change myself.   I can do what is right and pray for those who refuse. 

  When I read the gospels I see many things that needed change just as there are today.  Jesus spoke against sin and immorality but few listened.   He spoke of love of God and neighbor but most ignored Him.   He taught forgiveness rather than condemnation but was condemned to the cross by those He came to forgive.

   The same sins,  immorality and hatred that existed when Jesus walked still exist today.   I can't change that.  It is far beyond my ability to effect major change.  What I can do is live my life for God and pray for those who don't know Him. 

   Only God can change the world and it seems He is doing so one heart at a time.   I have given Him my heart and will try my best to live according to His will.  May He touch the hearts of others and bring them home to Him. 

Lord, You are a God of love and mercy. 

I pray for those who don't yet know You. 

Touch their hearts and bring them home. 

Amen

Christmas Eve

   And in that region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear.  And the angel said to them, “Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  And this will be a sign for you; you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

   Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is well pleased!”  (Luke 2: 8 – 14)

   There’s really nothing else to say.

Merry Christmas

The Gift

   It seems everyone has a suggestion for what gift we should give others at Christmas.  Apparently if you truly love your spouse you will buy them a new car, or maybe even two, one for each of you.  The list for children is pretty much endless but you can be sure there is a hefty price tag attached to those that are the “best” in the eyes of the merchants.

   The Thursday after Thanksgiving is called “black Thursday” because there are many businesses whose balance sheets begin showing a profit on that day.  That is the day when we are supposed to drive all over town, fight our way through the doors and push through the crowds to get that one item that we just must have, either for us or our loved ones.

   I see black Thursday in a different way.  To me it represents the fact that the meaning of Christmas has been lost in the desire for earthly things.  I have no doubt that it is a wonderful day for Satan; just look at all the greed, envy, anger and inhumanity that takes place.  There is very little, if any, love for the person who just got the last of anything; shouting and even fights break out.  Where is Christmas in this mess?

   There is a lovely lady who lives in my neighborhood with whom I’ve become friends.  She lost her husband a little over three years ago and is still in deep grief for her loss.  I noticed a couple of days ago the van belonging to one of her grandson’s in her driveway.  He is staying with her through Christmas; her eyes lit up with love when she told me.  That is a Christmas gift to top all!  His love and visit is the best gift he could possibly have given.

   Tomorrow night is Christmas Eve.  It may be too late to get that prized gift you were searching for but it’s not too late to visit, or even just call, a friend or relative who might be alone for the holidays.  The gift of your love and caring is worth far more than any gift that could be purchased.

Lord, You gave us the greatest gift.

You gave us salvation.

By Your love we are saved.

May we share the gift of love with others.

Amen

No Room At The Inn

   “And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”  (Luke 2: 7)

   After a difficult journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem there was no room for the Holy Family.  No one had a place for our Lord.  As I look at the state of our society I suspect there are few places in the world today that would welcome our Lord.

   Is there room at your inn?  Is your heart open to the coming of Jesus?  He came to Bethlehem as an infant.  He comes to us as our Savior.  Do we welcome Him or send him on His way?

   As we consider the miracle of His birth so many years ago let’s make room for Him within us.  He wants to reside with us, to dine with us, to forgive our sins and bring us to Him at the appointed time.  Let’s greet His arrival with open arms, an open mind and a heart ready to love and be loved.

Lord, You came because You love us.

You lived because You love us.

You died because You love us.

Open our hearts to love You as You love us.

Amen

The Faith to Say Yes

   “And Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word.  (Luke 1: 38)

   “And the word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father.”  (John 1: 14)

   This is what we celebrate; this is what the world was waiting for.  The Son of God, come to save, not to condemn.  The Messiah bringing forgiveness and mercy to all.  The Lord, offering eternal salvation.

   Mary was confused by the angel Gabriel’s announcement.  After all, she was a young Jewish girl betrothed in marriage.  A virgin who had never had relations with a man.  She knew the consequences of becoming pregnant while betrothed; shame, condemnation, and even stoning as an adulterer.  And yet, she accepted the call of God to give birth to the Savior of the world.

   I often wonder how many today would willingly agree to suffer such consequences to answer God’s call.  There are some, but far too few.  I fear most would refuse rather than face possible persecution and martyrdom.  Blessed are those who, like our Holy Mother, put God’s will before all else regardless the outcome.

   If I could be assured of one gift this Christmas it is this; that I have the faith, confidence and courage to answer God’s call and say, “Let it be done to me according to Your word.”

Jesus I celebrate Your birth.

I celebrate the Blessed Mother’s yes.

I pray for strength and faith.

May I always answer, “Yes, Lord!”

Amen

The God Who Loves Us

   God, in all His majesty and glory chose to come among us in a cave in Bethlehem, in Hebrew the "House of Bread".  Placed in a manger for His bed, a feeding trough for animals became His crib.  Sometimes I think of this scene as a foretelling of the Holy Eucharist.  Our Lord in a trough meant for feeding at His birth; His body, blood, soul and divinity in the Eucharist, feeding our spiritual needs throughout our life.

   There are many gods who have been worshiped throughout history.  Most every society looked to the skies and sought the favor of a god.  For some the god is an earthly god of money or fame or sex.  None of these false gods give themselves as the bread of life such as Jesus did.  No false god will forgive us our sins and show us the way to eternal happiness.

   There is only One True God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit who offers love, mercy and forgiveness for those who believe.  Only He said, “For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God, rather than burnt offerings.”  (Hosea 6: 6).

   In love He came to us as an infant.  In love He taught mercy and forgiveness as a Man.  In love He died on the cross in expiation for our sins.  In glory He will return and take all who believe to Himself.

   As Christmas approaches may we remember and give thanks to the God who gave up His glory for a time to become one like us.  The greatest gift ever given born in a cave and laid in a manger because He loved us.

I give You thanks Lord.

For Your birth and Your life.

For paying the price of my sins.

For the love and mercy You have for all.

Amen

The Celebration of Christmas

   “And the angel said to them, ‘Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2: 1 -11)

   I look at how society prepares for the celebration of Christ’s birth and am saddened.  There is very little praise and glory, but plenty of earthly desires and temptations.  Our priorities are so confused; we desire the worthless things of this life and ignore the eternal gifts of our Lord.

   We teach our children that they must be “good” if they expect to get what they want for Christmas.  But how often do we remind them that the greatest good is in worshiping the Lord.  They get toys if they clean their rooms and do their homework and it’s good to relate their behavior to the benefits it may bring.  But at some point we must also give them the true lesson of Christmas; that God loves us so much that He became man to save us.

   I fear too many have essentially forgotten why we even celebrate Christmas.  Many refuse to even say “Merry Christmas”.  Instead they wish us “Happy Holidays” never realizing that “holiday” derives from “Holy Day”.  In their ignorance they still wish us holiness and blessings.

   It’s up to us to change these things if we have the courage.  We can rebuke the big companies for their efforts to make Christmas profitable by any means necessary.  We can reject the often blasphemous versions of Christmas the entertainment industry tries to shove down our throats each year.  We can smile and reply “Merry Christmas” to those who want to be “politically correct” in their greetings.

   Our joy in celebrating the birth of our Savior should be clear to everyone we meet.  Let’s make Christmas what it is meant to be.  Let us give all praise, glory and thanks to our Lord as we celebrate the day of His birth.

Lord I celebrate Your birth.

I give You thanks for Your many blessings.

Help me to share the joy of knowing You.

Let Your light shine through me.

Amen

Waiting

   The world was waiting in the darkness of sin.  Mankind in its’ pride had sought the power of God; the power to determine right from wrong.  The family relationship of God and man had been destroyed.

   Israel waited for the Messiah.  Through captivity, through exile, through all the trials they anticipated a savior.  The whole nation believed He would come and save them.

   After centuries of waiting, He came.  Not as the conquering warrior Israel expected, not as we would probably have expected.  He came as an infant, powerless and totally dependent on the love and care of His parents.  He could have come in so many ways, yet He chose to become one of us.  In His love and mercy He came to be like us in all things but sin.  He suffered as we suffer, he faced trials as we do and finally He suffered a torturous death.

   Jesus has come, the kingdom of God has been proclaimed on earth.  The doors to heaven were thrown open to those who would believe and accept the salvation bought on Calvary.  Those who follow Him will know the joy and happiness of heaven.  And still we wait.

   Once again we wait for our Messiah.  We wait for Him to come in glory, to finally and irrevocably cast Satan, his demons and his followers into the Hell prepared for them.  We wait for Him to make all things new.  We wait to join our Lord in the clouds and finally know “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him.” (1 Cor 2: 9).

   Christmas is once again upon us.  Again we will celebrate the coming of our Savior as a man come to save us in love and mercy.  As we remember His birth and His life let us look forward to His final coming in glory and prepare ourselves to join Him.

Lord, You came to save us.

We are blessed by Your forgiveness.

We receive Your mercy.

We anxiously await Your coming in glory.

Amen

His Way

   “For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.” (John 3: 17)

   We prepare to celebrate our Saviors birth.  The word became flesh and dwelt among us.  A Messiah who came to save not condemn.

   He did not come to restore the former glory of Israel.  He did not come to establish an earthly kingdom but the kingdom of God.  A kingdom not of military might but of love and mercy.  One that welcomes all those who sincerely want to come; the sinners and the righteous alike.  One in which sin can be forgiven and the sinner saved.

   I sometimes think the most difficult requirement of Christianity is to always separate the sin from the sinner.  It is so easy to conclude that the person is defined by the sin and yet that is not the teaching of our Lord.  He taught forgiveness and welcomed the sinners into His company.  He never hesitated to rebuke sin but never failed to love the sinner.

   Nowhere in the teaching of Christ do I find anything giving me the right to determine who should or should not be saved.  If I judge I am saying I know more than God.  If I condemn I am bringing condemnation upon myself by placing my will above that of God.

   As we approach Christmas let’s try harder to follow His way.  Let’s remember that the most heinous of sins can be forgiven.  Even the sin of killing the Son of God.  “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do”.  (Luke 23: 34)

Yours is a kingdom of love and mercy.

We too often judge and condemn others.

Teach us Your ways.

Help us to love.

Amen

Heaven or Hell

   “There are only two kinds of people in the end; those who say to God, ‘Thy will be done.’ And those to whom God says, in the end, ‘Thy will be done.’”  (C.S. Lewis, “The Great Divorce”).

   Our God is a God of love, of forgiveness and of mercy.  His desire is that all men and women join Him in the happiness and joy of Heaven.  That is what we were created for; to be with Him throughout all time.

   Many people apparently believe that God will condemn us to hell for our sins.  That isn't the way of God; He does not condemn anyone to hell.  We make the choice to either follow His way and join Him in heaven or reject Him and spend eternity in hell.  It’s not God who decides, we do.  We determine how we will live our life; that is the blessing and curse of free will.  Our choices will determine where we spend eternity.

   God’s mercy is endless but we must accept it.  We can’t live our life in opposition to Him and then rely on His mercy to save us from hell.  Throughout our life we are offered the chance to turn to God and allow His will to guide our life.  Somehow people seem to forget that God is not a taskmaster; He will not require our love for Him or force His will upon us.  He is waiting with open arms to welcome us but we must choose to accept His embrace.

   We are about to celebrate the anniversary of our Lord’s birth.  The fact that God would lower Himself to become one of us in everything except sin speaks to His tremendous love for us.  The gifts we give and receive at Christmas are to remind us of the greatest gift of all; the gift of God’s love.

Your love is eternal.

Our salvation is Your desire.

May we gratefully accept Your gift.

May we spend eternity with You.

Amen

Jesus With Us

   “Where shall I go from your Spirit?  Or where shall I flee from your presence?”  (Psalm 139: 7)

   As we approach Christmas a thought occurred to me.  Sometimes it seems that we think Christ is only here at Christmas.  We get excited about His birth, we sing the carols and put up the decorations.  Then we pack it all away and get on with the business of the new year.  It’s as if Jesus is only here for the Christmas season.

   Yet He is with us always.  Christmas is not the coming of Christ; He came over two thousand years ago.  Christmas is the celebration of that anniversary.  We celebrate our wedding anniversary on the date that we were wed but our marriage is forever.  Christmas is like that; we celebrate the anniversary of His birth, but Jesus is with us forever.

   Our Lord is with us every day.  I think we sometimes forget that and act as though He’s only here when we want Him to be.  Perhaps if we were more aware of His continued presence we would be more likely to live our life for Him.  There’s nowhere we can hide from Him and no secret we can keep from Him; He is all-knowing and all-present.

   As we prepare to celebrate the anniversary of Christ’s birth may we also remember that His presence within us is eternal.  If we keep that in mind maybe we can live the joy and happiness of Christmas every day of the year.

Lord, You are always with us.

Nothing is hidden from You.

May we celebrate Your presence

Not only at Christmas but every day.

Amen

God’s Love

   “Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him.  And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, ‘This man receives sinners and eats with them.’”

   Jesus came not to condemn but to save.  The religious leaders of His time couldn’t understand this.  They condemned Him for His failure to condemn those they would condemn.  They had forgotten that the basis of the law is love.

   Our Lord dined with sinners, whether Pharisees or tax collectors.  He knew that all were sinners in need of forgiveness and the love of God.  If they could be turned from their sin by a kind word and a meal with them He didn’t hesitate to join them in their home.

   It all comes down to love.  That message gets so lost sometimes.  Yes, we can and should denounce sin as our Lord did.  But he rebuked the sin in order save the sinner, not to condemn them.  Too many times we want to condemn the sinner along with the sin; to be judge, jury and executioner.

   When I look in the mirror each morning I recognize that I am a sinner totally unworthy of God’s love and mercy.  This reminder helps me try to avoid judging others.  Their sins can be forgiven just as mine can.  I can’t expect forgiveness for my sins if I set myself up as the judge of others.  I recognize their sins, but I must also recognize my own and pray they we both seek the loving forgiveness of the Lord who loves us all.

   As Jesus said, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.”  (John 8: 7)

Lord it’s so easy to see the faults of others.

But I so often overlook my own.

Help me to love rather than judge.

To hate the sin but not the sinner.

Amen

Giving Myself to God

   Several years ago my brother handed me a book that he said he thought I might like.  It was “The Seven Story Mountain”, the autobiography of the Trappist Monk Thomas Merton.

   I read the book and fell in love with the monastic way of Merton.  Over the years I’ve read many of his books and have gained great insight into my own spiritual life.  This last year I’ve been reading “A Year with Thomas Merton: Daily Meditations from His Journals".  Yesterday’s reading struck a chord deep within me.  I would like to share it:

   “I give myself completely to God.  He draws me more and more to that. I cannot know what lies ahead for me, for us, but more and more I realize God wants me to put myself in His hands, and let Him take me through the things that are to come, and I must learn to trust Him without fear, or questions, or hesitations, or withdrawal.”

   This is my hope, my prayer, my desire; to grow always closer to my God.  To trust Him in all things.  To surrender all things, both good and bad, to Him.  In this way I become more and more His, foregoing my own way and will to serve His.  This is my peace, my comfort and my strength.

Father I am Yours.

I give You all.

Take me as Your own.

Bring me to You.

Amen

Immortality

   As we await the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ on Christmas perhaps it is a good time to consider our mortality and immortality.  Both is within us; mortality of this physical shell in which we now exist and the immortality of our soul which will live forever.

   We do many thinks to keep this mortal shell of ours in good health, hoping for a long life.  Many have rigid physical regimens to strengthen their bodies.  The diet industry flourishes by selling “sure-fire” means to lose weight and lengthen life.  Everywhere we look someone is trying to sell us something beneficial to earthly life.  Obviously there is great interest in preserving this body of ours for as long as possible.

   How blessed are those who put as much effort into the well-being of their soul.  It seems too many want to restrict God in their life.  They may attend Mass on Sunday but think little of Him at other times.  A couple of hours of care, once a week, is a pretty weak regimen for a healthy soul.

   A friend told me of a woman he met on a missionary trip.  He noticed her struggling to get to Mass, barely able to walk with no one to help her.  He helped her into the church and suggested that Jesus would understand if she were not physically able to come to Mass occasionally due to her difficulties.  Her response embarrassed him; she replied, “After all He has done for me shouldn’t I do all I can to thank Him?”

   Our soul is forever, this body will die.  Shouldn’t we do all we can to thank our Lord for all He’s done for us?

Lord You have blessed us in so many ways.

Far too often we forget to thank You.

Help us prepare our souls for Your coming.

Amen

The Meaning of Life

   Everyone wants to know the meaning of life.  They ask the age-old question, “Why am I here?”  The answer is quite simple.  The meaning of life and the answer to why we are here is the same; God.

   We are preparing for the coming of our Lord at Christmas.  That event is indicative of the meaning of life.  The fact that God would lower Himself to come to us in the form of an infant shows us the great love He has for us.  That love is what will help us bring meaning to our life.

   The things that matter, the things that give meaning to our life are not related to the earthly things most seek.  We are not necessarily meant to be wealthy, although we may be.  How well known we are doesn’t matter but knowing and being known by God does.

 

   What truly matters is our love for God and for others.  This is the love God gives us and wants us to share.  As we share our love of God with others and demonstrate our love for them we are spreading the gospel; we are evangelists.  The more love we give the more we will be loved.

   Jesus said that love of God and love of neighbor are the two greatest commandments.  The rest depend on these two.  When we truly love God and neighbor we won’t have other gods before Him; we won’t kill or slander or lie.  We won’t envy the blessings God has given to others but will be thankful for the ones He gives us.

   When we take away all the confusion, misdirection and lies of Satan we can begin to understand that the meaning of life is right before us.  It is God.

Lord, we seek meaning.

In You we can find it.

Our lives are meant to be lived for You.

Help us to follow Your ways in all things.

Amen

Come Lord Jesus

   We are awaiting the celebration of the coming of our Lord as an infant, born to Mary.  The Israelites had been waiting for a Messiah who would restore the glory of the Jewish people and establish an earthly kingdom.  They were not prepared for the Messiah who came to die for our sins; the savior who would call us to God’s kingdom, not an earthly one.

   What kind of Messiah are you preparing for?  Some want a Messiah who will resolve all problems and make life easy.  Some want one who condemns those who don’t agree with their particular way of worshiping God.  The one who is coming is neither; He comes to love us, to die for us and to save us for eternal life.  He does not come to make life easy or condemn but to love and help us carry the crosses of this world.

   His concern is not with this world, He’s already overcome the world.  He wants to call the lost sheep; he wants to heal those who are hurting and show them the mercy of God.  Jesus wants to welcome all to His kingdom, the kingdom of God.  He wants sinners to recognize His mercy and turn to Him.  He wants those who already love Him to love Him more.  He wants to give all the greatest love of all time.

   Jesus comes to each of us in a way that is perfect for us alone.  He speaks to the deepest part of us and helps us come to know the plan God has prepared for us since before time began.  Our Messiah is a personal Savior who reaches out to each of us in love, mercy and forgiveness.

   Let’s prepare to celebrate the birth of the infant Jesus but let us also prepare to welcome our personal Savior into our heart.

Lord, You reach out to each of us.

You speak to us in the deepness within.

Teach us Your ways.

Lead us Home.

Amen

When Christ Returns

   “When the Son of man comes in his glory and all his angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne.” (Matt 25: 31)

   Jesus came as man to offer salvation to the world.  He did not come to restore Israel to earthly splendor.  He came to call them to the kingdom of God, not that of man.  He was rejected, abandoned, betrayed and crucified.

   He comes to each of us individually.  If we allow, He will change our lives, making them holy.  He speaks to each of us in our hearts, guiding us on the way we should walk.  He leads us toward our heavenly kingdom.

   Some will accept Jesus as Lord and allow Him to change their lives.  Others will reject Him just as when He came as man, refusing His grace, His forgiveness and His love.

   When Jesus comes in His glory, there will two reactions among the people.  One of joy and one of terror.  Those who have chosen to follow Him in their lives will experience the incredible joy of knowing their wait is over; the kingdom has come.  The ones who rejected Him will suffer abject terror as they realize the terrible mistake they made in refusing Him.

   On that day all choices will cease.  Those who have chosen wisely will join with Christ and spend eternity in heaven.  Those who rejected Him and His ways will find they can no longer change their mind; their eternity will be one of anguish and sorrow.  Anguish in the Godless state they have chosen for their eternal home and sorrow for no longer having the opportunity to choose Christ.

   That day will come when we least expect it.  It will come at the time God chooses, unannounced and without warning.  May we choose properly today and know the joy of that coming.  Come Lord Jesus!

Father the day is unknown to us.

You will determine the time.

You delay in mercy to give us time.

Time to choose You.

Amen

An Hour With Jesus

   “And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, ‘Simon, are you asleep?  Could you not watch one hour?’”  (Mark 14: 37)

   Like many Catholics, I spend an hour each week with my Lord in the Adoration Chapel.  Before me is the Blessed Sacrament; the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ.  It is an opportunity to spend quiet time with Him and to grow closer to Him.  Sometimes I read or just sit silently in His presence.  But I always spend time in prayer considering the sacrifice He made for me on the cross.

   In contemplating His passion and the death He suffered, I realize that I caused that atrocity.  It is for my sins and the sins of the world that Jesus chose to die on Calvary.  His death and resurrection opened the door to heaven to me and all who believe.

   While in adoration last evening the following prayer was in my heart:

Jesus, my thanks for Your sacrifice is insufficient.  I do thank You with all that is within me, but it’s not enough.  Therefore, I give to You my life.  I give You my heart, my soul, and all I am to use according to Your will.

I willingly accept whatever You have planned for my life.  I lovingly accept whatever death you may choose for me.  With Your help I will endure any pain, sorrow or agony this life may bring.  Whatever I am, whatever I may become I give to You my Lord.

Lord take me and make me holy.  Make my life a sacrifice worthy of Your acceptance.

I am Yours’ Lord, do with me what You will.

Amen

Puzzles

   In many ways my life is a puzzle.  As in a picture puzzle, there are many pieces and they must fit together properly if the whole picture is to be known.  Those pieces may include family, friends, places I visited and things I’ve done in my life.  Each one adds a little bit to the overall picture of me and who I am.

   Some of the pieces in life are more important to the completion of the picture than others.  People rank near the top of the most important pieces.  Those in our family, our friends and those we love help complete the picture of life and add joy and happiness to the puzzle.

   The years of love and joy with my wife was a vitally important piece of my puzzle.  Even though she is now with God, her place in the puzzle of my life will never change; she will remain with me forever.  I anxiously await our reunion in the next life; sharing the love God has given us for all eternity.

   The most important piece in the puzzle, however, is God.  Without Him my puzzle cannot be completed.  He is the keystone of my life.  Nothing else could have been as it was without Him.  The remainder of my life belongs to Him and I will do my best to serve Him in all I do.

   Puzzles can be fun, but the puzzle of life is one that must be completed properly.  Without God, the puzzle remains unsolvable.

There are many pieces in the puzzle of my life.

Some are more important than others.

Father, You are the most important of all.

Amen