Many Paths, One Destination 

   In a recent discussion of the various devotions, ministries, and consecrations practiced by many Catholics a friend commented that the Church is a treasure chest of ways to worship and follow our Lord.  I’ve considered that analogy and it seems to me to not only be true, but quite beautiful.

   There are many varieties of Catholics from different cultures, races, nations, and ancestry.  Yet we all seek to serve our Lord and join Him in heaven when this life is over.  The church, in her wisdom, provides multiply paths to this final goal.  For some it is the priesthood, for others the deaconate or religious orders.  But for most it is an individual path that must be walked.  Not all are destined to follow the same road to God.

   The beauty of the many paths is that they all lead to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  Many have devotions to our Blessed Mother, there are those who have a special relationship with one of more of the saints.  They become our friends, the ones we turn to when we are struggling.  These relationships provide comfort and strength; they help us along the path to Jesus.

   For me, Christ crucified is a most important part of my spiritual life.  I spend time before the crucifix in contemplation of the suffering my Lord endured for my benefit.  Though it should be my hands and feet pierced by nails and my side opened by the soldier’s lance, Jesus took that suffering upon Himself.  Without the cross, there is no redemption, without His death there is no forgiveness of sin, without His resurrection there is no eternal life.

   The paths to God are many and varied, just as the people seeking God are many and varied.  How blessed we are that God would provide a path for each of us to follow. 

We seek You in many ways.

Always lead us correctly.

We want to walk with You.

Never let us stray.

 

Amen