January 2016 E-pistle
Thoughts
Christmas is over. Students have returned to school. The new year finds us back in our normal routine. But is our normal routine helping us to be the best version of ourselves? Does our “ordinary” life impart a good amount of peace and joy and help us grow closer to God? If not, perhaps we need to change some things. God desires us not to merely push through life, but to thrive. There will be some suffering along the way, but God wants us to be happy – to experience real joy and peace; to smile and laugh; to know how awesome we are in His eyes and how much He loves us.
Challenge
Let’s take this short time before Lent starts to examine our lives and discern whether we are aimed in the right direction or whether some (maybe even slight) direction change might be necessary. In doing so, let us keep in mind that peace is generally a sign of health (spiritually, mentally and emotionally) and anxiety is a generally a warning sign.
(a) Temporally – are we spending our time (work and leisure) in a positive way that fulfills us (not just fills up our time). Do we find joy in our activities? Do we find peace in them?
(b) Mentally/Emotionally – Are we generally happy and positive. Do we experience peace of heart and mind with regularity? If anxious about something, does that thing need to change (can it?) or do we need to change how we respond to it?
Spiritually. Do we often feel God’s presence and love? Are we generally growing closer to God (with of course some slide-backs because we are human)? Do we find some time every week and hopefully every day to just “be” with God and let Him fill us with His presence?
Go Deeper
+ Commit to regular examination of your life (perhaps daily?). Take note of both the blessings and challenges of the day. Thank God for both. Take concrete action to change unhealthy circumstances in your life.
+ Be mindful of sin in your life. It will affect you not only spiritually, but emotionally and even physically as well. Tell God and (those you hurt) that you are sorry. Commit to going to confession monthly. Accept God’s infinite mercy! He loves you! He forgives you completely! He wants you to forgive yourself! A Guide to Confession.
+ In this Jubilee Year of Mercy, immerse yourself in God’s mercy. Consider reading Mike Pacer’s new book: Mercy and Hope. + Follow the mercy blog at yearofmercy.org + Check out other great materials regardingDivine Mercy
+ Seek a closer relationship with God by attending Mass more frequently and by spending some time in Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament – you can find daily Mass times and times that churches near you offer adoration at masstimes.org.
+ In order to find answers, read the Bible. God speaks to us through Scripture. Read a small amount, slowly, and then listen to what God has to say to you. Here are some great resources on effectively immersing yourself in Scripture: 10 points for fruitful Scripture reading, + Reading the Bible in Four Easy Steps + Free Bible Study App
+ Seek to heal relationships. Video
+ Work at healing chronic spiritual illness such as addiction to alcohol or pornography – Alcoholics Anonymous Website + Great materials regarding pornography: Integrity Restored Website + Catholics Come Hope Website + Great CD – “Detox” + great computer pornography filter.
+ Listen to this motivational talk by Matthew Kelly Talk on Youtube.