This month should sober us, bringing to mind how short our
lives are and prompting us to assess where we are in our journey to Heaven.
And ultimately, that journey is all about love, a priest
recently reminded me.
But love is not a gushy feeling. It’s more like a rock,
enduring all things, as St. Paul says, and persevering.
The touchy-feely, emotional kind of love won’t lead us to
Heaven. “If I am led by my feelings, I will fall into a ditch,” the priest
said. “Our fallen nature can mislead us.”
The Guide on our journey provides another way, a deeper type
love. He said: “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his
cross, and follow me.”
Jesus’ love is not glamorous. In fact, it’s hard. It
requires self-denial and service to others. But it’s the Way.
God gives us so many opportunities to love. They are the
people around us. Our relatives, friends and neighbors -- especially those who
are poor, elderly, disabled and in need -- are “what God is giving us to be
saints,” the priest said. “God is saying pay attention to My presence.”
He shows us the Way. We just need to be attentive to His
signs.
Inspired by the Year of Faith, Susan Szalewski began writing weekly columns for us. Although that year is over, we liked them so well that we asked her to keep writing. Thankfully, she said yes. So watch for these on Thursdays and see the Year of Faith Blog here.
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