Forsaking All 

   "Forsake all, and you will find all; relinquish all desire, and you will find rest.”  (Thomas á Kempis “The Imitation of Christ”) 

   Giving all to God goes against virtually everything we are taught in our selfish society.  We have effectively reversed the famed slogan of the Three Musketeers, “all for one and one for all”.  Rather our slogan is “all for me, the rest can fend for themselves”.  This attitude creates greed, envy and hatred.  We no are no longer thankful for the many blessings of God, but angry that another might appear to have greater blessings. 

   If we forsake all for Christ as He forsake all for us, we will find greater blessings, both earthly and spiritually than we can imagine.  If our only desire is to live in the will of God, following His path for us He will give us peace.  It’s not a great secret, it’s certainly not impossible though it is difficult.  We must learn to live St. Paul’s way of life, “I have been crucified with Christ; yet I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me;” (Gal 2: 19 – 20).

   In this Lenten season we need to consider what, if anything, remains between us and God.  It could be the grudge against that family member who we feel has wronged us.  Maybe we put too much importance in our earthly comfort and pleasures.  Or maybe we are lukewarm in our spiritual life; a tepid faith life tells God He is not our priority.  Whatever it may be, we need to forsake it and allow God to become everything within us.

   The Son of God willingly forsake everything for us; what are we willing to forsake for Him? 

We want so much.

So much that is of no importance.

Help us to desire only You.

To give all to You, to live in Your will. 

Amen