Life is a Search

Women of Faith:

If we are willing to admit it, all of life is a search.

For those of us that have faith  in an “after life” (heaven or hell), whether we believe in God, Jesus Christ or some other power higher than ourselves, we are actually following a guide—a guide that says there is more to this life than just today, something richer and fuller than what is here on earth.

And even those who don’t believe in anything are on some sort of a search, somewhere, for something—searching for what to feel, how to feel or for something that will make them feel a particular way—a search for no more searching.

Those who might say today, that they have done everything they desire to do or that they wish to stay exactly the same as they are right now for the rest of their lives, will probably change their minds tomorrow.

So very few can ever say they have found everything they want, that they are truly content with what they have and where they are in life.

And yet, this is exactly what Christ offers to us—a beginning and an end to our search: “Peace be with You.” We are actually searching to answer for our call to holiness, to be holy.

 “To you who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be holy, with all those everywhere who call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” 1Cor 1: 2-3

In the first official writing released just this week by Pope Francis he says: “There is an urgent need, then, to see once again that faith is a light, for once the flame of faith dies out, all other lights begin to dim. The light of faith is unique, since it is capable of illuminating every aspect of human existence. A light this powerful cannot come from ourselves but from a more primordial source: in a word, it must come from God. Faith is born of an encounter with the living God who calls us and reveals his love, a love which precedes us and upon which we can lean for security and for building our lives. Transformed by this love, we gain fresh vision, new eyes to see; we realize that it contains a great promise of fulfillment, and that a vision of the future opens up before us. Faith, received from God as a supernatural gift, becomes a light for our way, guiding our journey through time.” Encyclical Letter Lumen Fidei (Light of Faith) Pope Francis http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/francesco/encyclicals/documents/papa-francesco_20130629_enciclica-lumen-fidei_en.html

Instinctively we are seeking peace (in contentment) for ourselves and we seek to offer peace (to give joy) to others.

Heavenly Father, You are our guiding light, the answer to our search. Help me to see and follow You in faith. Give me the grace to put aside the search and the need for the worldly and to be grateful for the opportunity to give joy to others in service. Help me to find peace in my search for holiness and the achievement of Your will. Thank you for meeting all of my daily needs. Amen.

The search can be over. Peace can be achieved. But the work of giving joy is never done.

May the peace of Christ be with you, today, tomorrow and always,

Charlotte