During the summer months we are encouraged to take some time for ourselves and our families; to take a step back and enjoy the company of those closest to us. The opportunity is there for us to either slow down a bit or remove ones-self from some duties and responsibilities to make way for recreation. Not only is this good mentally and physically, but it also serves its purpose in the spiritual sense. In our spiritual lives, we are often directed what to read and what to do in response to events around us. The Church Calendar, parish events, religious education, and ongoing catechesis are some of the areas which dictate what direction we are to head in. We find ourselves responding to what needs to be done.
This is healthy and also points to a healthy Christian Community but it is also healthy to ask, “What about me and what I want to do?” Just like the secular world, religious life also has a “back burner” where all sorts of stuff can be set aside. There are certain books one might want to read or maybe a special trip to a shrine or chapel on a small pilgrimage. Whatever it is, it has been set in the back of the mind to be addressed and enjoyed at some other time. The challenge is this: “When will it be that time?” If we are able to carefully plan some time away to spend with our families and friends, why can’t we do the same thing with God? If we feel called to do something to further our own Journey of Faith, then shouldn’t we respond to that call? The ramifications of not responding to that call can be a lot more harmful and disheartening than turning to Christ and immersing ourselves in His love.
We are presented with a wonderful opportunity this summer. We just have to acknowledge what it is and react to it. Over the past several weeks, we have been listening to Jesus’ Parables in the Gospel. Each one possesses an undeniable truth of our faith and can add to the fulfillment that we all can work towards this summer. The Book of Matthew may just be the perfect Book in the Bible to start reading for those looking for more scripture in their lives. This Sunday, Jesus speaks of the Kingdom of Heaven being like a buried treasure in a field. We are the ones who have found it and now are commissioned to treat it as it is: God’s gift to us. To further appreciate its value, we must understand it and its relationship to us. This is only possible through Jesus Christ.
We all have something we want to do; something that is completely different for ourselves in relationship to Jesus. Is there any reason why we should deny ourselves any longer. For the very same reason why we make time for the beach, the barbeque, and family fun we should also be making the time for those special things that have been set aside long enough. We should also approach them the same way we approach any summer activity: with anticipation and happiness.
During the summer months we are encouraged to take some time for ourselves and our families; to take a step back and enjoy the company of those closest to us. The opportunity is there for us to either slow down a bit or remove ones-self from some duties and responsibilities to make way for recreation. Not only is this good mentally and physically, but it also serves its purpose in the spiritual sense. In our spiritual lives, we are often directed what to read and what to do in response to events around us. The Church Calendar, parish events, religious education, and ongoing catechesis are some of the areas which dictate what direction we are to head in. We find ourselves responding to what needs to be done.
This is healthy and also points to a healthy Christian Community but it is also healthy to ask, “What about me and what I want to do?” Just like the secular world, religious life also has a “back burner” where all sorts of stuff can be set aside. There are certain books one might want to read or maybe a special trip to a shrine or chapel on a small pilgrimage. Whatever it is, it has been set in the back of the mind to be addressed and enjoyed at some other time. The challenge is this: “When will it be that time?” If we are able to carefully plan some time away to spend with our families and friends, why can’t we do the same thing with God? If we feel called to do something to further our own Journey of Faith, then shouldn’t we respond to that call? The ramifications of not responding to that call can be a lot more harmful and disheartening than turning to Christ and immersing ourselves in His love.
We are presented with a wonderful opportunity this summer. We just have to acknowledge what it is and react to it. Over the past several weeks, we have been listening to Jesus’ Parables in the Gospel. Each one possesses an undeniable truth of our faith and can add to the fulfillment that we all can work towards this summer. The Book of Matthew may just be the perfect Book in the Bible to start reading for those looking for more scripture in their lives. This Sunday, Jesus speaks of the Kingdom of Heaven being like a buried treasure in a field. We are the ones who have found it and now are commissioned to treat it as it is: God’s gift to us. To further appreciate its value, we must understand it and its relationship to us. This is only possible through Jesus Christ.
We all have something we want to do; something that is completely different for ourselves in relationship to Jesus. Is there any reason why we should deny ourselves any longer. For the very same reason why we make time for the beach, the barbeque, and family fun we should also be making the time for those special things that have been set aside long enough. We should also approach them the same way we approach any summer activity: with anticipation and happiness.
