A dear friend of mine died from ovarian cancer a few years ago. I remember her telling me how she had felt tremendous guilt about not completing numerous tasks in her life. Yet, at the end of her time on earth, she had obtained a bit of wisdom. All the seemingly unfinished business and plans she had worked on in her lifetime came together, making it whole. In the end, God, in His goodness, revealed to her that she had gleaned what she needed from the fragmented pieces. Completion had been unnecessary. “As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:6-7. She had done all the Lord had asked of her. It was complete.
I pray that we appreciate that life is not about completion and accomplishments, but rather about carrying out God‘s will on our journey toward heaven. At times doing as He asks means beginning and halting when it’s uncomfortable or not what we desire. However, we recognize and honor that His will triumphs. “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, for you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.“ Colossians 3:2-3. Constantly discerning where the Lord is asking us to perceive our limitations and assert our talents will help us to grasp how to utilize all He has given us to serve Him in the world. Daily conversation with Our Master, as well as the sacraments, and time in adoration each week will clarify things that might otherwise seem foggy and will offer us direction when we feel lost.
Life is messy and throws us lots of curveballs. When we enter into relationship and communion with God, He keeps us informed and brings us closer to Himself as we grow in virtue and holiness. “Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” Jeremiah 33:3. I encourage you to turn to Him each morning and surrender your day to your Father. Behold His presence in your day, embrace the changes that it brings, and perceive His hand in it all.
Call To Act: I invite you to examine your daily and weekly prayer life. Do you set aside time to converse with the Lord throughout your day and week? Do you ask Him what His desire is for you in each day and with every decision? Is there a practice you could institute to increase your opportunities to talk with God? Is there a friend who could hold you accountable or an already established routine that you could attach prayer to? Write down the practice(s) you would like to engage in. Careful not to approach it as a checklist, implement this as a tool to develop the habit of carving out time to be with God. Revisit your spiritual commitment each night and observe if you turned to the Lord through the day. My prayers are with you as you discern where He is inviting you to converse and act each day. It is a journey!
St. Teresa of Calcutta, St. Benedict, St. Francis, and St. Teresa of Avila, pray for us that we may zealously pursue an intimate relationship with Our Lord and Creator. Beg Him to give us the wisdom to order our days around conversation with Him and His Divine Will in our lives. Intercede on our behalf that we may continually seek Him and institute practices that constantly turn our eyes toward Him. We ask this thorough Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Sunrise at the Great Cross at the Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche, St. Augustine, FL