I reflect on God's love as this Christmas season comes to an end. I think about Christ's time here on earth from His birth to His passion. I think about how His Father sent Him here to be sacrificed for us. How do you repay someone who chose to die for you? Just as St. Maximilian Kolbe, the Saint of Auschwitz, did for his prison mate: you repay Him with love and by seeing God in everyone.
"God does not require of us the martyrdom of the body, He requires only the martyrdom of the heart and the will."
~St. John Vianney
We know how fully Christ loves us. He didn't ascend into heaven with the purpose of leaving us. He gave us His Holy Church and the Holy Eucharist. History shows us that The Bible didn't come off of a local printing press. There was an authoritative Church that Jesus left us before the New Testament was ever written to determine what books would be in the New Testament. That authoritative Church was the Catholic Church.
Delving into the Early Church Fathers I realized that Christ's Church really was Catholic and the Catholic Mass then was quite similar to today's. The Early Church Fathers were the Christian leaders who took charge of the Church following the death of the 12 apostles.
"I would not believe in the Gospels were it not for the authority for the Catholic Church."
~St. Augustine
God did not leave us to fend for ourselves and interpret the bible as we please. It's all so awesome. It's all about His love for us. How can I not want to know this God? It was all part of His plan.
"The more we love God, the more we will want to love Him."
~St. Joaquina
As Catholics, we have been given great treasures. He has given us tools through His Church in tradition, scripture, prayer, and His sacraments. Let us move forward and get to know God. Let us learn our faith and learn why our Church stands for what She does. This is our responsibility! God can't steer a parked car. We must take the initiative to seek Him.
Individualism and materialism have played a big part of my life. I'm not nearly perfect with my relationship with God but I know He's the answer. He's the way.
With the grace of God, I found my life to be unfruitful and unfulfilled. He was always calling. I resisted. After many years, I finally picked up the receiver. It's the same for all of us. He's always calling. It's up to us to decide when we'll answer His call. It's never too late.
"To love God you need three hearts in one--a heart of fire for Him, a heart of flesh for your neighbor, and a heart of bronze for yourself."
~St. Benedict Joseph Labre
When the suffering I shall endure in this life becomes to much for me to bear, I know where to go for hope, strength, and love. God help my unbelief is a powerful, short prayer I've said through out the years when I've been a doubting Thomas.
"Be not afraid to tell Jesus that you love Him; even though it be without feeling, this is the way to oblige Him to help you, and carry you like a little child to feeble to walk."
~St. Therese of Lisieux
As I journey towards my next life, I thank God for His Love.
Because of His love, I have been given hope. It was all part of His plan.
"As it is, these remain: faith, hope and love, the three of them; and the greatest of them is love."
~1 Corinthians 13:13
