Reflections of a beloved son

“I will appoint over you shepherds after my own heart, who will shepherd you wisely and prudently.” Jeremiah 3:15 Memorial of St. Sharbel Makhlūf, Priest God promised the people of Israel that He would send people to lead them, guide them, encourage them, teach them, and comfort them. He would not abandon them in the midst of slavery or exile. That even when all seems dark and lost, there remains a light and a hope that can never be extinguished. The Lord sent prophets throughout the history of Israel, encouraging the people, speaking for the Lord, anointing kings, and in the fullness of time, God sent His Son, the King of Kings and Lord or Lords, the greatest prophet and the Good Shepherd to save us and to lead us to Paradise with Him. But the people did not always listen and heed the messages of the prophets and leaders. God continued to send but the people could choose to listen or ignore. When finally He sent His only begotten Son, many ignored and even called for His death. T...

It is the clean of heart that will see God.  What does that mean?  Have you ever felt so disgusted by someone or something because of what they may have done or said that you couldn’t bear to look at them? I know I have.  Those are the moments when I have failed to see God.   You see, seeing God and Christ in others has nothing to do with what they do or say, even if it is the most horrendous or disgusting thing. They and we will have to face the appropriate consequences for our actions and words, but if we have failed to see Christ in the other, it is our problem.  “ Blessed are the clean of heart, for they shall see God.”  I have failed to see God in the other because of my tainted heart – my pride, my ego, my jealousy, my envy, my attachment to the world. All people are made in the image and likeness of God, and so no matter what someone may say or do, they remain a child of God, they remain a beloved son or daughter of the Father. Jesus came for the sin...

God wants to hear from you! Prayer is not just the lines and sentences you may have memorized as a child; prayer is your personal relationship with God. Tell Him whatever is on your mind, what you need, and how you feel. Prayer is when you speak from the very depths of your heart and when Jesus speaks to you from the depths of His pierced, sacred heart. Jesus promises to hear you and He even says "I will do it." Trust in Him and know and believe that Jesus means what He says. After you tell the Lord all that is on your mind and in your heart, be still and listen to Him. Prayer is a conversation. Don't forget to listen.

Let us not be too quick to judge. Sometimes what we see may not reflect what is really going on. Our Lord challenged His disciples to not see as man sees but to see as God sees. And, God sees the heart. People come to conversion at the level of the heart. Do not allow what your physical eyes may see prevent you from seeing with the eyes of your heart.