Relationships

Reflection

Jesus often spoke about the burden of riches and how it keeps us from devoting our lives to God.  His messages are always simple and clear.  We cannot accumulate wealth without it interfering with our relationship to our God who has made all that we have possible, no matter how much or how little. (Luke 16:9-15)  The problem comes in knowing what it is that we must do in order to be among those who will “inherit the kingdom of God.”  Is it like the story of the young, rich man who asks Jesus what he must do to have eternal life and is told to give away all of his wealth to the poor? (Matthew 19:16-26)

We live in a world in which we are made more aware of the disparity that exists within it with each news story.  The very fact that we sit here looking at a screen reading this reflection separates us from most of the world who cannot do so.  We try very hard each day to be caring for those around us but our efforts, no matter how grand, seem to be insignificant because there is always so much more to do.  Guilt can overwhelm us.

God loves us so much that He has given us an amazingly bountiful and renewable world so that we might insure that everyone has what they need to live a good life.  Unfortunately, there is no bell within us that rings and says, “Okay, enough, you have plenty; let someone else have the rest.”  The more we have, the more we want and God knows that ultimately this stops us from loving Him fully.  We can’t.  We’re too distracted.

Whatever we have in this life is on loan and can be taken away in the time of a single breath.  We must work to understand that the day will come when we leave behind everything we have to those who follow us.  Wouldn’t all of us want that to be memories of someone who was loved rather than the things that we have bought?

It's all about relationships.  How we relate to God and how we relate to our fellow man.  Think about Christ's relationship with Thomas.  Thomas had walked with Christ.  He had seen the miracles with his own two eyes.  And yet, at the resurrection, "doubting Thomas" would not believe. (John 20:19-31) Did Christ reject him?  Did He send him packing?  Did a lightning bolt fly down from heaven?  No.  Christ afforded Thomas an opportunity not granted to any other disciple or to anyone else that I know of.  Thomas touched Christ's wounds.  And then Thomas went out as an ambassador for Christ and changed the world forever.  Being called a "doubting Thomas" should not be considered a bad thing.  It's OK to doubt.  Remember, God's the one who gave us the brain where doubts arise.

How I live my life is how I relate to God.  My relationship with God is all about the spirit with which I go to work in the morning, the faith that shapes how I love and care for my family, and the grace I rely on from God to face the mystery of life and death each day.  My relationship with God is as much about what I decide to buy, how I choose to present myself, what sacrifices I become comfortable making, as it does if I go to church and whether or not I take time for formal prayer each day.

Immaculate Heart of Mary,
Pray for us who have recourse to thee!

Rosary Intention 

My prayer intention today is for patience and trust.  Patience in my relationships with others and trust in God to guide my steps in those relationships.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

O Merciful Father, protect our minds and hearts from distortions of Your Blessed Word; fill us with the beauty of Your Truth and warmth of Your Love to share with all.  Amen.