Keeping Our Gaze

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America bears spiritual poverty (bondage to something other than God). America was founded upon having the freedom to pursue happiness. However, our culture provides the incorrect assumption that it must be sought after, grasped at, and taken for oneself. This is the same fundamental problem that drew the man to commit his first sin(cf. Genesis 3). The best it can promise is what we already have (cf. Ibid). Better and best can only come from God. It is essential to our "health and salvation" that we "remain in [His] love"(John 15:9)[1]

Apart from God, we can do nothing(John 15:5). In Him, we can do all things(cf. Philippians 4:13). Even in our weakest moments, Christ remains our strength(cf. 2 Corinthians 12:10). How is this accomplished? I would answer with what can stop love? IF we find ourselves as madly in love with God as the saints, then to stop praying, sin, etc. is the hardest burden we will carry, since love can endure all things(cf. Matthew 11:30, 1 Corinthians 13:7). So let us never leave that love through prayer in all circumstances, which is only accomplished after daily prayer for a significant amount of time is a habit(cf. Ephesians 6:18-20).[2]

In conclusion, we have nothing to lose and everything to gain(cf. Matthew 22:1-22). Why do we hesitate to accept God's love? How are we comfortable implying that the One Who loves us the most is worth the least of our time and effort? On the contrary, if we try to avoid Him we will lose everything(cf. Luke 9:24, cf. Matthew 16:25). Why not let God show us what we can do better. He is not a slave driver, but someone who is always interested in our good(cf. Romans 8:28). We have sinned, yes, but that did not stop Him from becoming human and dying for you, just to give you the opportunity of a lifetime. How will you respond?

FN:
  1. The Nicene Creed (a literal translation of "Salute" is health and salvation; this part of the Creed precedes the Incarnation and thus is the moment at which the faithful bow during the Mass, "for us men and our salvation...")
  2. cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2697-8.
I am a Theology major attending Holy Apostles College and Seminary. I am a Knight of Columbus and a Newman Ambassador for Pius XII Newman Center.

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