Last Sunday I preached about the reality and challenges that face true disciples of Christ, especially that of carrying one's cross(es) that can come suddenly or develop and subsist for a period of time (and sometimes for the rest of our lives).
I quoted from an article by Fr. Jacques Phillpe in "The Word Among Us" (September issue) on the importance of prayer in times of crises in our personal lives and in our life as a member of groups, including of course as Catholics and as citizens of the United States. Certainly, the attacks of 9/11/01 was the impetus for many people to turn to God in prayer for comfort, hope, direction and peace during a terrible time in our country.
Fr. Jacques brought out the need for all people of faith "to put ourselves regularly under God's gaze, to welcome his gentle presence, to nourish ourselves with his love and word." This, of course, takes conscious effort on our part and a commitment to allow God into and actually let him take control of our lives. It is recognizing and acknowledging in ourselves (and sometimes to others) that the God of all grace blesses us each day and so wants us to be led by His love and peace in our thoughts and in the day-to-day actions of our lives. Fr. Jacques calls on us to strive to make our whole lives (and our daily lives) a conversation with God. He says that everything both good and bad that happens to us can be an opportunity to talk to God and grow closer to him. This can serve to bring us peace and even keep us in peace during times of turmoil. Though at times we may not be able to look at the bigger picture (as God always does) nor be able to look very far into the future (as God does) we can be assured that God will never leave us and instead draw even closer to us in our most difficult times (as he clearly did with Jesus)!
One additional encouragement from Fr. Jacques is that we take breaks to regularly spend time with God. This can be a few moments or minutes or even longer so that he can bring us strength and hope in the midst of a busy and sometimes stressful day. The results of doing this may or may not be obvious to us, but it will be obvious to others who encounter us. Acknowledging and calling on God's presence is a (if not THE) key factor in helping us to not be overwhelmed by anything that is out there whether it is something within our control or not. Whenever we "let go and let God" in our daily lives, then the result (for us anyway) will always be good!
I quoted from an article by Fr. Jacques Phillpe in "The Word Among Us" (September issue) on the importance of prayer in times of crises in our personal lives and in our life as a member of groups, including of course as Catholics and as citizens of the United States. Certainly, the attacks of 9/11/01 was the impetus for many people to turn to God in prayer for comfort, hope, direction and peace during a terrible time in our country.
Fr. Jacques brought out the need for all people of faith "to put ourselves regularly under God's gaze, to welcome his gentle presence, to nourish ourselves with his love and word." This, of course, takes conscious effort on our part and a commitment to allow God into and actually let him take control of our lives. It is recognizing and acknowledging in ourselves (and sometimes to others) that the God of all grace blesses us each day and so wants us to be led by His love and peace in our thoughts and in the day-to-day actions of our lives. Fr. Jacques calls on us to strive to make our whole lives (and our daily lives) a conversation with God. He says that everything both good and bad that happens to us can be an opportunity to talk to God and grow closer to him. This can serve to bring us peace and even keep us in peace during times of turmoil. Though at times we may not be able to look at the bigger picture (as God always does) nor be able to look very far into the future (as God does) we can be assured that God will never leave us and instead draw even closer to us in our most difficult times (as he clearly did with Jesus)!
One additional encouragement from Fr. Jacques is that we take breaks to regularly spend time with God. This can be a few moments or minutes or even longer so that he can bring us strength and hope in the midst of a busy and sometimes stressful day. The results of doing this may or may not be obvious to us, but it will be obvious to others who encounter us. Acknowledging and calling on God's presence is a (if not THE) key factor in helping us to not be overwhelmed by anything that is out there whether it is something within our control or not. Whenever we "let go and let God" in our daily lives, then the result (for us anyway) will always be good!