Keeping focus on the real truth for which we were created -- to praise, reverence and serve the Lord to arrive at our eternal salvation -- should be the motivational factor for everything we do. It should be our map of life and compass to guide us on our journey. This map carefully points out both aids and obstacles along the way. Some obstacles should be avoided at all costs so we do not lose our way, while others challenge and strengthen us as a means to reach our destination.
St. Ignatius tells us that all that surrounds us, people and things, were created by God to help bring us back to Him. They should make us a better person – a holy person – a recognizable child of God. Taking an honest look at our activities, our relationships, our job, our lives, is a good first step in examining ourselves.
Our activities: When I was a little girl I was told that if you could not do whatever you were going to do with Jesus or Mary being beside you, then don’t do it. It was a good barometer to use when times of temptation drew near. It helped clear up any confusion or ability to justify questionable actions or activities very quickly. It still does!
Our relationships: Are they in right order, or have they become disordered in one way or another? Our need to love and to be loved is great! In fact, God placed that need in us for a reason – so He could fill it. We often seek love in ways that will not fill us but deplete us instead. We try to buy love by our actions and when it’s not reciprocated, we feel rejected. We need to love God first and foremost, and with His love, truly love others in freedom – no strings attached. We also have to learn to give others the freedom to love us or not – and without the grace and love of God in our hearts, we will fail.
Our job or profession: It is a means to an end – to serve God and provide for my family – or has it become a little god for me? Is it the place where I go to for affirmation and self worth? Do I use it to escape from other responsibilities or relationships? Does my self-worth come from my identity as a child of God or does it depend upon my accomplishments along with the acknowledgement and praise of others?
Our lives: St. Paul said it long ago to the Corinthians: “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God (1Cor 10 vs. 31). Everything we have is a gift from God and we should not abuse them. We have to look at our lives and all that we do and ask ourselves this question: Will this person, place or thing, bring me closer to God and my heavenly goal, or move me in the other direction? If we could do this with every action, we would soon become saints!
We can become so immersed and involved in our life here on earth that we forget that we are only sojourners and wayfarers with a heavenly destination. It’s something we need to keep in the forefront of our minds. This life is fleeting and eternity is forever!
“It is not that I already taken hold of it or have already attained perfect maturity, but I continue my pursuit in hope that I may possess it, since I have indeed been taken possession of by Christ (Jesus). Just one thing: forgetting what lies behind but straining forward to what lies ahead, I continue my pursuit toward the goal, the prize of God’s upward calling, in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3 vs. 12,13b-14).
Although this was written by St. Paul to his friends in Philippi, nearly two thousand years ago, it is also written for us here and now. Pray that his words, inspired by the Holy Spirit, may be infused into your mind and heart. Keep your eyes on the prize because it is within your reach.
Oh Avia Joy, if we but ask ourselves these questions listed by you in this blog daily, our lives would be so much better! Thank you once again for your words of wisdom.
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