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| Joel Osteen |
When was the last time you set a new standard for your faith
life? How about when was the last time you added in something new or even gave
a thought to the state of your spiritual life? Often times we all fall into a
slump, just like everything else in our lives. We get into a routine and become
complacent. We settle for mediocrity and do not realize what we are missing out
on.
But, that
is exactly the opposite of what the saints did and do. They persevered even in
the most difficult times. Difficult times does not necessarily mean
persecutions and martyrdom but can very easily mean spiritual dryness where
there seems to be no feeling or reason to go on or daily struggles. It is then
in those moments that the saints lifted their heads and saw the beam of light
piercing through the darkness and the haze.
That is precisely why this time, the
start of a new academic year, the beginning of a new time in the Church, and
the beginning of our future starts now. This points to the importance of being
mindful of the situations that can remind us of the need to change. Whether it
is a particularly difficult time, a retreat, a simple encounter, or a subtle
quiet feeling, we have to appreciate the moment for what it is worth. God is
always calling us to Himself. Our relationship with God is not like our social
media life. It isn’t something to just scroll past nor is it for show. We can’t
pretend when we go to Mass and act like we can hide behind the pious appearance
of praying, like hiding behind a computer screen. Our faith life must be authentic.
Our interior life must be reflected in our actions and vice versa.
Take a look
at the most important relationships in your life and think about how much they
have progressed in the past month, year, or ten years. Shouldn’t our
relationship with God progress too? How will you change that today?
I leave you with two quotes. One to forewarn you and the
other to inspire you.
“So, because you are lukewarm-neither hot nor cold-I am
about to spit you out of my mouth.” Revelation (3:16)
“Start being brave about everything. Drive out darkness and
spread light. Don’t look at your weaknesses. Realize instead that in Christ
crucified you can do everything” ~St. Catherine of Siena
Choose which one you will become.
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