Lord I sometimes feel lost. 

I’m not sure which way I’m supposed to go. 

I need your guidance to help me.

I want to do your will. 

I try to follow the right path but I stumble. 

I need your strength to keep me on your path.

I sorrow for my failures.

I pray that my efforts please you even when I fail.

Help me to try harder.

You forgive me.

My sins are many and still you forgive.

Help me to overcome temptation.

I know that you love me.

I know that you are always there for me.

I thank you Lord.

Amen

We Are Chosen

   We are chosen.  We are here because God brought us into this world.  He chose to bring us into the world in this time and at this place.  If He wants us to be here then we must assume that He had a reason for His decision.  God not only doesn’t make mistakes.  He doesn’t do things without a purpose.

   Children need to understand that they are chosen.  Each child needs to know that Mom and Dad wanted them and chose to have them.  In this way they can develop the self-knowledge of being a chosen person.  Family size, money, or status aren’t important to the knowledge that one is chosen.  All it requires is an understanding that each is loved and wanted by one’s parents and by God.

   We all need the same realization of being chosen.  Where we came from, the color of our skin or the language we speak doesn’t matter.  What matters is that God has chosen for us to exist.  Therefore our life has reason.  We need to seek God and prayerfully ask why He has placed us here and then offer ourselves to His purpose.

   If we are married we need to recognize that we not only chose each other but that God chose to bring us together.  A sacramental marriage involves the choice of the man and the woman but it also involves God.  The knowledge that God is a partner in a marriage provides incredible strength during times of difficulty.

   If you aren’t sure that you were chosen, look to Jesus.  The Son of God came down from heaven and became a man so that He might show us the way home to the Father.  His mission wasn’t just to the Israelites of His time, it was also to you and me in our time and for time eternal.

   He gave His life for us.  Think about that for a moment.  Why would God send His Son to die for us?  It is because we are chosen in God’s eye.  It is because we have a purpose to fulfill.  He will help us find that purpose and give us the strength to follow His path if we ask.  We are weak, but in our weakness God shows us His strength.

   Then next time you look in the mirror you needn’t wonder why you are here or for what purpose.  You are here because God chose to put you here and He had a reason.  Seek His reason and you will find your purpose.

Everyday Miracles

   People expect miracles to be big events.  They look for the parting of the Red Sea or raising someone from death to life.  Throughout history there have been many such miracles.  Creation itself is the biggest miracle.  From nothing God created the universe and all that is in it.  Both the Old and New Testament are full of miraculous occurrences.  Even in our time there have been incredible miracles.  In 1917 near the small village of Fatima, Portugal the sun danced in the sky for over seventy thousand to witness.  Many of those witnesses were atheist and communist looking to discredit the miracle but many of them saw and believed. 

   Some refuse to believe in miracles unless they are earth shattering events.  The problem with this attitude is that God has nothing to prove to us by His miracles.  He is God, we are not.  How He chooses to show Himself to us is entirely up to Him.  Jesus was often asked for signs and wonders but He did not respond to such requests.  He went about His ministry quietly healing the sick, the lame, the blind and the deaf.  He accomplished great miracles not because someone wanted proof of who He was but out of love.

   Though they don’t attract national or global attention miracles occur every day.  Think of the love between a husband and wife.  Where does that love originate?  Certainly we aren’t capable of creating such a complex and wonderful thing as love.  It is a miracle of God; one given to us from His love.  By giving it to us He has given us the ability to further share His miraculous love with others.

   The birth of a child is a miracle in many ways.  A bit from the mother and a bit from the father produces a new human being.  Is there any greater miracle than that of creating a new life?  Yet God lets us to participate in that miracle.  He has no need of our help but gives us the blessing of allowing us to take part in the miracle of life.  

   So many miracles occur each day.  We don’t often notice them; they seem just part of life.  If you are looking for miracles they are everywhere.  Look for them and take joy in the many small miracles of life and pray for the greatest miracle of all; the return of our Lord Jesus Christ who comes to take us home.

The River of God

   One of my favorite images of living in God’s will is that of a river.  It is a journey from the head-waters to the sea of eternity.  As with any journey there is joy and excitement in beginning the journey.  I have great plans of all the wonderful things I will see and do along the way.  There is also anxiety; will I have the strength to make the trip; can I handle the trials and challenges that will come my way?

   As soon as the decision is made I hear Satan calling me back.  “You can’t make this trip.  You don’t have the strength or the courage to face all that will come your way.  Just go ahead and give up now rather than wasting time attempting something you know you can’t achieve.”  But I’m determined; I get in the boat and begin my journey.

   The head-waters of a river can be quite turbulent.  The small streams or creeks which join to begin what will become a great river create turmoil as they mix.  The waters rush against each other causing choppiness in the small river.  The beginning of my journey in the boat of God’s will is no different.  I hear the things of my previous life tempting me.  Satan still tries his best to stop this journey before it can even truly get started.  I have to struggle to maintain my faith and seek God’s courage to continue.

   As the river grows a bit wider the waters settle some.  The ride becomes much more enjoyable and easier.  As first I think the worst is over.  I’m high on the early success of getting past the head-waters and into the calm.  I don’t recognize the danger of my enthusiasm.  Challenges lie ahead that will tempt me to again consider whether or not I made the right decision to begin this trip.  But right now I’m happy and exuberant in my adventure.

   Further down river I see the beginning of rough waters.  The rapids of temptation and doubt.  Again Satan calls, telling me that I will surely drown in those rapids.  I’m too weak and not experienced in riding the rapids.  I’ll be thrown from the boat and beaten against the rocks.  Surely I’ll die.  But I look beyond the rough waters and I see Jesus holding out His hands to me.  He hushes the doubts of Satan and emboldens me to come to Him.

   Along the way there are inns to provide a respite from the river and a chance to rest and recharge for the next leg of the journey.  This rest and refreshment is found in the Mass and Sacraments which strengthen me and renew my courage and determination to stay the course; to continue in the will God.

   Throughout the trip I will experience highs and lows; safety and danger.  But the trip is worth it.  Living in God’s will was never promised to be easy and difficulties are to be expected.  The trials and crosses I may be caused to bear are nothing compared to beauty and joy of reaching the great Sea of God.  I will stay the course and rest in God’s hands throughout eternity.

The Majesty of the Storm

   During the storm we witness God’s majesty; watching the lightning streak across the sky; listening to the thunder rolling; the rain pelting against the windows.  These are part of God’s universe so lovingly and perfectly designed.

   Many people don’t particularly like stormy weather but I tend to enjoy it.  A stormy day is a good day to sit and contemplate whatever comes to mind.  Pick up a book and read for a while.  Take the time to be alone with myself and God and let my thoughts wander, praying that His guidance will give meaning to my wandering.  Sitting with my wife and just enjoying each other’s company.

   There are so few times in our hectic lives when we can withdraw from the rat-race for a while.  I think of stormy days as God’s gift to us; one that gives us a chance to settle back and let life pass us by for a while.  An opportunity for us to remember His many blessings and take the time to thank Him.

   On a rainy day we may have nothing to do but enjoy God’s majesty.  A gentle rain may speak to us of the love and gentleness with which God looks upon us.  The lightning is God’s light show; one that can’t be matched by any fireworks display.  The rumbling thunder is perhaps God’s way of telling us there are things in our life that need to be corrected if we are to live eternally with Him.

   Sometimes the rain seems almost as teardrops of sadness over the sinfulness of humanity.  It speaks to us of a society that can’t seem to love one another.  It tells of a people who push others away because of their differences.  It is a weeping for His children who can’t seem to love their brothers and sisters.

   If you have nothing to do on a stormy rainy day don’t despair.  Nothingness can be a beautiful thing if we use that nothingness to share a few moments with our Lord.  The quiet stillness that comes with the passing of the storm is a perfect time to refocus on the quietness needed in our life.  The final few drops of rain splashing in the puddles of our life as the ripples of God’s will urging us to reach out to Him; to seek Him in all we do.  What a wonderful way to spend a stormy day.

Reflecting the Light of God

   I enjoy going out at night to appreciate the beauty of the moon and stars and marvel at this universe God has created.  While the moon may shine brilliantly at times it generates no light of its’ own.  What we call moonlight is actually just the moon reflecting the light of the sun.  The same is true of the planets we see in the night sky.  They produce no light but only reflect the light of the sun.

   Jesus said, “I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” (John 8: 12).  He gives His light to those who believe and follow Him in this world.  Yet how are those who have never heard of Him or those who have heard but don’t believe to receive His light?  Unless someone shares that light with them they may remain in darkness never knowing the love God has to offer.

   In the same way that the moon and planets reflect the light of the sun Christians are to reflect the light of Christ.  We are to let His light that is within us shine for those who are in darkness.  We cannot generate this light on our own just as the moon doesn’t produce light of its’ own.  The light we share is a reflection of the light given us by Jesus.

We can share the light of God by the way we live our life and the example we give to others.  When we reach out to those in need, whether physical or spiritual need, we are reflecting His light.  If we make it a part of our daily life to share God’s love we can help others come to know Him.  Our example may be what encourages them to reach out to God in their own life.

   The next time you see the beauty of a bright full moon remember that it is only a reflection of the light of the sun.  In the same way the light we share does not come from us but is the reflection of the Son in us.

“While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light,” (John 12:36)

But Not Yet

   ”O Lord, give me chastity, but do not give it yet.”

   “O Lord, help me to be pure, but not yet.”

   These words of St. Augustine reflect a far too common attitude in many of us.  We want to follow God but not just yet.  There are so many things that we want to do and some may not fit in with His plan very well.  Besides, there’s plenty of time, right?  All we need to do is make sure we get with God and set things straight before we die.  Even at the very last second God will forgive.

 

   The mistaken belief that we have plenty of time is one of Satan’s greatest victories in this world.  As long as we remain convinced that we have time left he can more easily tempt us today by offering us tomorrow.  By the time we finally realize this lie we may have no tomorrow.

   Another saying that seems to hamper our search for God is the attitude that one is “ten foot tall and bullet-proof”.  Once again I’m sure this is one of the evil one’s favorites.  Especially when we are young we have a tendency to look at misfortune and even death as something that only happens to others.  We are far too young to be worried about dying.  Even though we engage in some of the most dangerous activities of our life when young, we are blinded to the fact of our own mortality.

   All of us tend to forget that we are on this earth only for as long as God has granted us.  Some will live quite a long life and others only a few years.  The idea that we can wait to find God when we approach death has, I’m certain, caused many to miss their opportunity for salvation.  What a tragic loss we risk.  Our selfishness in putting off God in order to live as we wish may cost us eternal life.

   “And I will say to my soul, ‘Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, be merry.’  But God said to him, ‘Fool!  This night your soul is required of you; and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?” (Luke 12: 19-20)