Remaining Faithful

11-20-2016Weekly ReflectionFr. Brian Jazdzewski

Oh, Boy! A tremendous amount of chatter has revolved around the weather, politics and the holidays. The ultra super moon and the unseasonably mild weather has helped our attitudes remain just a little more optimistic about life in general. Some of us will be reminiscing about this autumn for years to come; recalling the seasonal characteristics to our neighbors, friends children and grandchildren. I think many of us will need just a little more time to catch our breath regarding the super-historic elections just a week and a half ago. Many of us have become re-inspired to keep up on current events at all levels as a consequence. And, some of us are more aware, and maybe even a little irritated, about the encroachment of Christmas decorations earlier and earlier into the calendar year. We wonder the real motives for the early Christmas décor, along with the pre-Black Friday sales. Some might suggest consumerism and greed are at the root of these changing cultural trends.

Yet, in the midst of all of these matters, there will be people gathered for the firearm hunt retelling stories about family members and friends who have gone to their eternal rest. Others among us, continue to deal with family and friends who are facing serious conditions regarding their living situation or health. Sometimes conversations like these sober us to the real issues of life; namely, living in a right relationship with God.

We have lived past the middle of this month in which we have been honoring the faithful departed. The reality of death reminds us to continue to keep our lives in perspective. We are always confronted with the reality that no one gets out of here physically alive, though we believe our souls live on forever. What have you been doing to prepare your soul for eternity? Have you been faithful to God and deepening in your relationship with Him? Have you spent time praying for a greater awareness of His presence in the midst ofmany worldly distractions? Have you been faithful?

Additionally, we have come to the end of another liturgical year. Maybe you remember the autumn of 2011, when I was appointed here, that we began Advent that year with the new translations of the Mass parts. Maybe you continue to be stirred by the scripture readings in recent weeks which draw our attention to the end. Sometimes we fear the end because the present has been so good, other times we want a newbeginning because the present circumstances are unpleasant.

The prayers of the Church in recent weeks, and those in the upcoming Advent season, will remind us to be faithful to God. The wisdom of the Church always reminds us that, no matter what may happen, God ought to be the center of all that we do. While that focus is easy for us to intellectually know, the reality is that life tosses some unexpected curves our way. Sometimes those curves throw us off target and we proceed down apath which may lead to our ultimate spiritual demise. Yet, rather than be discouraged, we walk by faith.

We understand that God always gives us the chance to return to Him, He awaits us with open arms. God is patient, God is love. I do encourage you in the hours and days ahead, to spend just a little more time in prayer concentrating on God's presence in your life. Allow His Holy Spirit to draw you near so that your faithfulnessdeepens and His presence is made clearer to you.