June 13, 2007

• Quote for the Week:

  Whoever lives in the past is as if dead. Whoever lives in the future in his fantasy (or imagination) is naive, because the future belongs only to God.  The Joy of Christ is found only in the present, in the Eternal Present of God.   Mother Gabriella, The Ascetic of Love

  Scripture for the Week:

   “ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”   1 John 1:9

  
  

  Question of the Week:

  Is there something from my past that I continually allow to pull me down?  Is there some humiliation, oversight, or tragedy that still wields control over me?  Or, do I tend to constantly gird myself for events that will most likely never occur?  Do I allow myself to worry and fret over mere conjecture?  Have I talked with my Spiritual Father about putting these things away in order to embrace God’s plans for the present?

   

  Thought for the Week:  On Busyness and Intimacy

   

  We live in a society that pushes the limits when it comes to overextending oneself. Some of this is due to the technology that enables us to travel across town in a matter of minutes, to talk to people at any time or place, to write at the speed of light, to research information on any subject with the push of a button, and to buy groceries without the help of a single person. We take all of this for granted, and for the most part, technology is ‘neutral’ morally, yet it enables us to do more, more, more. With wisdom and discernment, we can certainly use technology to our advantage, but it takes discipline and a strong mind to make it work for us and not the other way around. Activities are another limit pusher. We can commit to so many things that we find ourselves more in our cars than in our homes. This can be a stressful way to live. Our homes also require a great deal of attention and time. Carving out time to maintain our homes and create a peaceful home life is difficult in a culture that emphasizes, go, go, go. What is the price to be paid for all of this hustle and bustle? Often times it is the most precious commodity: our relationships. Children’s questions become annoyances, getting out of the house on time becomes the goal, throwing the house together for company becomes the modus operende, and reading and playing give way to television and self absorbing activities.  And what of intimacy with our husbands? Time with friends? It can become one more thing “to do.” In our ever-changing society, we would be wise to step out often and look at our lives from the outside. How can we savor time more as a family? How can we increase the quality of time spent with our husbands? How can I enjoy the NOW that God has gifted me today? May we beseech the Saints and our Guardian Angel to ‘order our lives aright,’ and to make the most of each day.

   

  “Tomorrow’s a Mystery, Today is a gift, that’s why it’s called the present.”

  
  

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