May we get in touch with our inner self and our spirituality on this special day. In the following article we will explore different levels of connection with Jesus on this special day.
“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets!" Matthew 7: 9-12
Whenever we turn in our affliction to the Father in Heaven, He listens attentively to accompany us, protect us and give us what will be good for us.
Prayer is the most important communication with God, it is through prayer that we raise our eyes to heaven and we are ready to listen to His voice. Nothing is more important or should require our time than raising our eyes to the Lord. To have a moment each day so that in solitude, to look deep down and ask God for his help and protection.
For he clearly tells us, ask and it will be given to you, knock and it will be opened to you. But our Father never intrudes into our lives without being called. He always listens to us, even when faith grows weak and the night dark, He is there to guide and reassure us. He waits for our word, which will always be answered.
"Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city." Proverbs 16:32
Just as we listen to our children, and attend to their needs, our Father is always ready to see for us and care for His children. Let us speak to the Lord our Father, let us express our difficulties, our pains and our joys. He will listen to us and answer us. In a clear and strong way, he will be present in our lives, because he is our Father, and he loves us above all things.
Each of us knows what challenges we really need to face, and what battles we want to expose ourselves to. But when it comes to being better people and bearing witness to the Kingdom of God, it is much more difficult and valuable to overcome one's own problems, difficulties and character problems, than to go out into the world to fight in sometimes meaningless battles.
"Carefully follow the terms of this covenant, so that you may prosper in everything you do." Deuteronomy 29:9
The greatest challenge comes in relation to our character and our weaknesses. Impatience, intolerance, lack of empathy with the other or an overgrown ego. There are several personal characteristics that keep us away from the mission entrusted to us by our Father.
Generally we shy away from this task and justify ourselves by thinking that there are more urgent tasks in the daily world, in our daily life, that need us. And we choose to reform the world, instead of modifying ourselves. Without understanding that the world is made by each one of us who inhabit it. And that it is our small actions towards our brothers and sisters that make the real revolution towards peace.
"Addressing all, he declared, "If anyone would be my disciple, let him deny himself and carry his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or destroys himself?" Luke 9:23-25
Our Lord warns us with His words that there are no easy ways that lead to be better, to overcome our difficulties and to live according to the Word of God. This life experience requires commitment and effort, and at every step we will be required to make difficult decisions, in which we will have to renounce our comfort and easy pleasures.
The way of truth is full of difficulties, but it leads to life. The easy path always, sooner or later, leads to destruction. That is why we must be alert and be clear about where we are heading our lives, and how we are going to reach our destination. Walk together with our brothers and sisters, and always ask for God's protection along the way.