Empty Hands 

   “It is just this – to find myself at my death with empty hands – that gives me joy, for having nothing I shall receive everything from God.” (St. Therese of Lisieux) 

   Have you ever seen a small child in a toy store?  They will grab this and then that and whatever else they can.  Soon they will have their hands and arms so full that they can pick up nothing else, even though there is so much more they want to have.

   We don’t change much as we grow older.  Even in adulthood we often seek more than we can possibly manage.  Better jobs for more money, bigger houses, newer cars, and all the grown-up toys the world has to offer.  We fill ourselves with so many earthly wants and desires that we leave no room for God and the many blessings He wishes to bestow upon us.

   Our lifespan is around seventy to eighty years, and we often fill those years with all the wrong things.  We become so focused on the successes and pleasures of this world that we ignore the world to come.  We leave no room for Jesus to enter our hearts and give us everlasting joy and happiness.

   Jesus asked the question, “What profit is there for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?” (Mark 8: 36).  Let’s go to Him with empty hands and hearts and let Him fill them with His blessings. 

We get trapped in the desires of this world.

We leave no room for You.

Let us put down all earthly cravings.

Let us seek only You. 

Amen