Turning the Page

05-31-2015Weekly ReflectionFr. Brian Jazdzewski

Some of us were put a little off-balance as we observed Memorial Day nearly as early as it can be in the calendar. The observance of Memorial Day seemed to make May a short month, and then, yet, we get to have another Sunday in May this weekend. I'm hoping that each of us have taken some moments on Memorial Day to truly consider what we are memorializing. Now, more than ever, we need to be mindful of the principles of our country and continue to be aware and faithful to the Constitution of these United States of America. In turn, we are also aware of the sacrifices of many to defend these liberties; whether their sacrifice to serve our nation was voluntary or otherwise. In any case, many young men and women were exposed to violence to human life which we could never be prepared for. The reminder of Memorial Day observances causes us to intensify our prayers for peace and justice for all people.

While Memorial Day has quickly come and gone, we continue to find our lives cluttered with end of school year activities, civic events, sporting opportunities, yard work and the like. Meanwhile, our ordinary life worries continue to click away. Members of our families are ill, we continue to have to pay our bills, and we continue to have a need to get along with one another. For some of us, we have the perception that May has quickly come and gone, for others, time seems to move really slowly and almost stand still. Whatever our experience is, we have to remind ourselves that somehow we do things in the presence of God and in God's time.

Living aware of the presence of God is a life-long tasks we marvel at among many of the saints. And yet, the gifts which inspired them are the same gifts which come to us through the same sacraments of our Catholic Church. There are, of course, many differences between us and the saints, and yet, we continue to look at them as our heroes in faith. The work we do to grow in holiness and become more aware of God's presence in our lives is work which bears fruit now and for eternity. So, rather than aimlessly observing holidays and marking days off our calendar, we need to continue to live on purpose.

And so, in the midst of the flurry of these spring and summer activities, our beloved Catholic Church offers us some great Feast Days to keep our lives holy. Last week was Pentecost, this week its Trinity Sunday, next week its Corpus Christi. For some of us, our temptation is to proceed through these celebrations in much the same way we move through our lives. And yet, in the midst of a culture where people seem more and more dissatisfied, our Church provides us with opportunities to become fulfilled. Continually we need to remind ourselves that the graces of God flow out from His sacraments. Its these graces which fill us from the inside out. Perhaps if we find ourselves empty or confused, it's a summons from God to pay just a little more attention to His Spirit working within us and a summons to spend just a little more time reflecting upon that great gift of faith He gave us.

In conclusion, some of the most memorable and inspiring stories of success are because one person chose to make a difference beginning with themselves. Then, they chose to make a difference in just one more person; and we know the end of those stories. These individuals made a tremendous impact upon the people around them and, in some cases, have stories told about them around the world. Each day we have the opportunity to make a difference with ourselves and others. We are promised that God will be with us now until the end of the age. I'd invite you to take another look at this great faith of ours and see how, rather than marking off days as they pass, you take advantage of each day in the presence of God and allow Him to make a difference in you… and in others.

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