In modern life, we are all too often distracted. We have so many ways to fall short in our love for others and Jesus. Distractions can remove our single mindedness toward all that is Good and of Jesus. Watch what attracts you. Is it worthwhile or a distraction? Does it lead to doing the right things and loving others? If not, it is a distraction that subtracts from your life. Spend you limited time on love and prayer. Life is too short to waste!
Self-sufficiency is promoted by our world. It is a myth and will lead to our unhappiness and much pain. We need Jesus and others. A life of deeper prayer and devotion will lead us to Jesus and His Ways. Love, hope, and joy follow a life of prayer and devotion. Give your heart to Jesus. Only He can heal you. No false idols or distractions can heal your heart and soul. Jesus can. Go to Him.
Our longings can teach us much about what we most value. Do we long to be with Jesus in the Eucharist or in Holy Prayer? If not, what do we long to do? Where do we direct our attention? We can easily spend our hours in useless of even sinful ways. Instead, seek to be with Jesus! Long for His Presence in your life! What we long to do and actually do is up to us. We can learn to long to be with Jesus – for He longs to be with us!
Why do we not believe we are made in God’s image? It is true. We are from our very beginning made this way. This should give us great courage to truly believe. We let ourselves get distracted by so many things. It’s time to reclaim our belief in God’s eternal love for us. When we do so, we can fall into His Love each moment of each day!
Jesus wishes us to love with the sincere innocence of a child and spiritual freedom of a mature adult. Can we be both? Can we give ourselves completely to Jesus Christ? We can, even if it is not complete at first. Through the moments of each day, we can let Jesus and His Ways guide us on our way. We can be gentle, love deeply, care greatly, seek to assist others, and so much more. Through it all, we can be loved and cherished as a child of Christ. Seek this way to live!
Commitment is the first requirement to go deep into Jesus as a contemplative. Choosing the interior and not the exterior – at least for a meaningful amount of time – must include a deep commitment to be present with the ultimate Presence. Go deep. Go often. Find the way for you to give up the exterior focus which we easily have. Remember Who awaits you! Jesus Christ is amazing!! Give Him you – it is all He truly desires!! Come as you are to His Presence because He accepts all of you right now!!
Can we remain quiet in the presence of Jesus? Can we rely more on Him than ourselves? When we remain in silence with Him, He can speak to us. Our hearts know His voice if we will only listen. Contemplation and silence allows us to hear His still small voice. All is well when we reside in Him. Do not let the distractions of this world carry you away. Remain in the quiet with Him through every storm. The storms will come, but you can remain in Him always.
Do we make Jesus feel welcome in our lives? Is He an anticipated and celebrated guest for us? Do we spend time with Him? Do we long for Him when we find ourselves caught up in our many activities in our lives? We belong to Jesus Christ. Contemplation and silence are places we can go to be with Jesus. We can pause frequently, even in our busy lives, to say prayers and reflect on the love of Jesus. We can sacrifice and help others out of devotion to Jesus. These ways, and many others, can help Jesus feel welcome.
Do you ever marvel at the power of our God? We can forever live in awe and wonder of our amazing God! God has done so much for us and continues to do so each moment of each day! Lets us trust in this awesome power and glory. Let it invade every element of our being each day. When we marvel at the glory and power of God we become willing to change. We become willing to seek forgiveness. We become willing to give all that we are to this amazing God!
Are there aspects of your life that you want to hide from Jesus? If so, He knows – and loves – you anyway. Hide nothing from Him! He is accepting and forgiving of us always. Try again – as meekly as you must – and He will welcome you back with open arms. Our Jesus is our best Friend, Savior, and Redeemer! Let nothing get in the way of His Ways and His Love!