Grace Curtis
There is an epidemic plaguing churches around the world; people are starting more and more to fall away and not believe in God. However, as we see in today’s Gospel, people have been struggling with Jesus’ teachings since He was on Earth. He gives us instructions, advice, and as much help as we need and yet humanity simply can’t seem to wrap their mind around what the heck He’s saying! Who can we look to as an example when we find ourselves doubting Jesus? The Apostles are perfect friends who will help you out. Just look at their lives! Jesus taught them things they found hard to believe and then told them to turn around and teach others the same thing. How could they teach when they themselves have doubts? The answer rang loud and clear in today’s reading:
Jesus then said to the Twelve, “Do you also want to leave?”
Simon Peter answered him, “Master, to whom shall we go?
You have the words of eternal life.
We have come to believe
and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.”
Despite not being able to understand fully Jesus’ teachings, the Apostles knew in the core of their hearts that Jesus was their only love. AND HELLO WORLD, you have the same desire for Christ deep in your heart as well. What makes the Apostles’ faith seem so much stronger from you and me? They literally spent their whole lives with Jesus; in a sense, they never stopped dating Him.
How do you show someone you care about them? How do you get to know them? Clearly the answer is you spend time with them. We go to lunch dates with our friends and movies with our significant others. We even carve out specific time to be with our families at events such as family reunions. Yet when it comes to Jesus, the free giving of our time comes to a rushing halt. Suddenly our time seems too precious and important to use it on things as tedious as prayer. We forget to spend time with Him, and quickly all the things He gently instructs us to do seem like strict orders. People leave the Church because Jesus is a stranger to them. He becomes the “big man in the sky” who they push out of their hearts. But deep within there is a calling in every heart trying to lead them back. So now that you know all this, how do you give your time to Jesus?
Well this looks a little different for everyone, but let me tell you how I date Jesus. First, I let Him love me and replenish me with eternal life. This is harder than it sounds because it requires me to allow myself to be vulnerable to Him entering my heart. I talk to Him. Jesus has a lot to say, but more importantly He wants to hear from you! Go to adoration and if you are too busy one day for that, take a few minutes out of your car ride to silence your music and talk to Him. Offer your day to Jesus so He can work in your life. Sing some Christian songs. Write in a journal. Take a nature walk and enjoy what He created for you. Talk to a friend about faith. Go to mass. The list goes on and on! Brothers and Sisters, there are an endless amount of ways you can connect with God.
Jesus isn’t distant, nor is He a harsh commander asking us to do the impossible. Jesus is the God of the wildflowers and the Lord of laughter. He delights in you simply wanting to be with Him. If you dedicate just a small part of your day to center yourself around Him, I promise you when temptation beckons you will feel Christ fighting for your heart. Because He loves you that much.
Eternal life is seen in the glimmer of love in your eyes. Don't be afraid to let that show. You are loved.
Your sister in Christ
There is an epidemic plaguing churches around the world; people are starting more and more to fall away and not believe in God. However, as we see in today’s Gospel, people have been struggling with Jesus’ teachings since He was on Earth. He gives us instructions, advice, and as much help as we need and yet humanity simply can’t seem to wrap their mind around what the heck He’s saying! Who can we look to as an example when we find ourselves doubting Jesus? The Apostles are perfect friends who will help you out. Just look at their lives! Jesus taught them things they found hard to believe and then told them to turn around and teach others the same thing. How could they teach when they themselves have doubts? The answer rang loud and clear in today’s reading:
Jesus then said to the Twelve, “Do you also want to leave?”
Simon Peter answered him, “Master, to whom shall we go?
You have the words of eternal life.
We have come to believe
and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.”
Despite not being able to understand fully Jesus’ teachings, the Apostles knew in the core of their hearts that Jesus was their only love. AND HELLO WORLD, you have the same desire for Christ deep in your heart as well. What makes the Apostles’ faith seem so much stronger from you and me? They literally spent their whole lives with Jesus; in a sense, they never stopped dating Him.
How do you show someone you care about them? How do you get to know them? Clearly the answer is you spend time with them. We go to lunch dates with our friends and movies with our significant others. We even carve out specific time to be with our families at events such as family reunions. Yet when it comes to Jesus, the free giving of our time comes to a rushing halt. Suddenly our time seems too precious and important to use it on things as tedious as prayer. We forget to spend time with Him, and quickly all the things He gently instructs us to do seem like strict orders. People leave the Church because Jesus is a stranger to them. He becomes the “big man in the sky” who they push out of their hearts. But deep within there is a calling in every heart trying to lead them back. So now that you know all this, how do you give your time to Jesus?
Well this looks a little different for everyone, but let me tell you how I date Jesus. First, I let Him love me and replenish me with eternal life. This is harder than it sounds because it requires me to allow myself to be vulnerable to Him entering my heart. I talk to Him. Jesus has a lot to say, but more importantly He wants to hear from you! Go to adoration and if you are too busy one day for that, take a few minutes out of your car ride to silence your music and talk to Him. Offer your day to Jesus so He can work in your life. Sing some Christian songs. Write in a journal. Take a nature walk and enjoy what He created for you. Talk to a friend about faith. Go to mass. The list goes on and on! Brothers and Sisters, there are an endless amount of ways you can connect with God.
Jesus isn’t distant, nor is He a harsh commander asking us to do the impossible. Jesus is the God of the wildflowers and the Lord of laughter. He delights in you simply wanting to be with Him. If you dedicate just a small part of your day to center yourself around Him, I promise you when temptation beckons you will feel Christ fighting for your heart. Because He loves you that much.
Eternal life is seen in the glimmer of love in your eyes. Don't be afraid to let that show. You are loved.
Your sister in Christ