Believing

Friends of Faith:

Why is it that we sometimes have such a difficult time acting on the beliefs of our moral faith, as strongly as we identify in our belief of God?

Could it be that we just get too busy in this “culture of stuff” and don’t take time to exercise our faith belief?

I am often torn between the treasurers of God’s world and a world which includes both the fulfillment of human treasures and the trials of “being tested” in my faith.

In this you rejoice, although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Although you have not seen him you love him; even though you do not see him now yet believe in him, you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, as you attain the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Pt 1: 3-9

It is difficult to maintain our lives in this world while searching and yearning for God’s. Yet, this should be our goal… to live in this world making it God’s world. With Jesus as our example: to love one another, as Christ loved us; by giving our lives for each other; by doing God’s will even though it may not be what I might want for myself (“My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will.” Mt 26:39)

The disciples, too, even though Jesus lived in their midst, were tested, tried, and failed to recognize, live, believe, and always do what Jesus asked of them.

Simon Peter denied Christ three times; the disciples on the road to Emmaus didn’t recognize him and Thomas asked to touch Christ to “prove” his existence.

Yet, like them I am asked to have the faith to believe in a power higher than myself, like them I am asked to pray unceasingly, to have the trust to get out of the boat and meet Jesus on the water,and to sustain myself with the food He provides (in nature and in the Eucharist).

I can’t control the world around me, so God is constantly giving me signs that He, through the Spirit, and in Christ’s example is with me everywhere I turn: in all of nature (thru the rain that waters the food grown to sustain us),and in all of life (thru children and grandchildren who continue our family).

Although science thinks they can control, choose, and imitate life and nature, we will not find everlasting joy and peace until we truly believe and trust in the mercy of God: in the elements we cannot touch: the wind (Spirit), the sun (Son), and the rain (Baptism of God).

And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight. Then they said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?” Lk 24: 30-32

My conscience burns with moral truth. My heart burns with internal knowledge of His will. But my eyes aren’t always open to see and my ears don’t always listen. That is the choice I am given by God, to believe in this world, or to believe in His living Word.

God is in charge of the growing and the feeding of both my body and my soul. He is ultimately in charge of my life if I will trust Him to have power over me. And it is in that giving up of my own self, that I find ultimate peace and happiness.

They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of bread and to the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their property and possessions and divide them among all according to each one’s need. Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple area and to breaking bread in their homes. They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved. Acts 2: 42-47

God, You are power and mercy, You are in control. Help me to believe and to give up the life I think I want, for the beauty of the life you give me, even when I can’t or don’t recognize the gifts I am being given. Thank you for the people you have put in my life that allow me to see you and help me to be a person that allows others to see you through me. In faith I trust, I believe. Amen.

Believe. God is providing us all that we need. Find the faith to trust in all that He is and has provided.

Blessings,

Charlotte

The Doubting Thomas in Me

Women of Faith:
There are some Monday’s when I don’t have a clue what is going to be in this meditation until after half of it is written—there are other Monday’s, like today, when I have had this “thought” all week long – one that just won’t go away—one that just keeps getting brought up in prayers, emails, music, conversations—not just once or twice, but over and over again.

I can’t wait for someone else to do something RIGHT, I have to do RIGHT, by and for God, by myself—NOW!!

It doesn’t matter what everyone else around me does, it only matters what “I” do, when “I” chose to do it and that “I” choose do it for God.

“For the love of God is this, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome, for whoever is begotten by God conquers the world. And the victory that conquers the world is our faith.” 1 Jn 5: 1-6

The story of “doubting Thomas” Jn 20: 19-31, was fittingly read yesterday at a Confirmation Mass. The teenagers were challenged to ask themselves if they would believe without seeing, if they would continue to act in faith, and if their faith would continue to be the same faith as it was yesterday, today and tomorrow, when life doesn’t go their way.

Am I a doubting Thomas?

Or do I have the faith to be patient with God’s plan and that His plan for me will benefit all who believe?

Do I believe the lie that it is greener on the other side and that I deserve a more loving spouse, a better marriage, a more supportive family or friend? Or do I keep my marriage vows, the covenant of love, I promised in faith and hold true to God’s commandments always –by acting for God, thru God, and in God—all the time, not just when it’s convenient for me?

Do I hold true to God by unselfishly serving and forgiving my spouse or a
friend knowing that they may hurt me again?

Do I hold true to God by choosing His commandments over the lies of media and the lies of my peers because “everyone else is doing it?“

Do I have enough faith to accept sufferings not as a punishment, but rather as a way for God to draw me closer to Him so that I will depend on Him more?

Have I and will I waver in my faith? Of course I will. I am human, I am not perfect. I have sinned and I will sin again. That is why we are given His promise and hope in the resurrection of Christ.

So, should I be upset with God because I am suffering? No! Does praying for the things I worry about help? Yes! Can I worry about something I have prayed about? No! If so, therein lies the doubting Thomas in me.

Is it important that someone else has sinned towards me? No! Can any good come out of holding a grudge or being unforgiving? No! Do I doubt that He will forgive anyone who asks for Him in their life?

Is it important that God has not yet answered my most fervent prayer or that someone hasn’t said thank you for what I did for them? No! If I don’t trust that God hears my prayers, once again, I am a doubting Thomas.

What is important is that “I” follow God’s commandments; that “I” am an example to others; that “I” act in faith; that “I” trust God and that “I” don’t blame anyone else for my attitude or choices.

If I blame God or someone else for my problems, mistakes or challenges, it means that I expect someone to be more perfect than God. And God gives me the free will to choose to do something that is not right. Yes, even Thomas doubted.

If I choose to believe in the lies of society—that it is important how I look to someone else, what I achieve in my job, how much money I make, or one life over another; then I have chosen a priority other than God, I have chosen to believe someone other than God. I have chosen to doubt God.

We have what Thomas didn’t have-- an instruction book and a history of God’s guidance. Thomas didn’t have that benefit. We have been taught by God how to love in our marriages by submitting and denying one’s self (Eph 5); we have been taught how to forgive each other, seven times seventy times (Mt 18:22); and we have been taught who and how to serve (works of Mercy) Mt 25: 35-39.

John Waller’s two songs “While I’m waiting” and “Blessings” speak of trusting and making choices for God while we wait for answer to our prayers: “I’m waiting on You, Lord. And I am hopeful.… though it is painful.. patiently, I will move ahead. Bold and confident, taking every step in obedience. While I’m waiting I will serve you…. I will worship.” While I’m Waiting by John Waller

“This day, every blessing and curse, is a choice now. And we will choose to be a blessing for life….For your kingdom, for our children, for the sake of every nation.” Blessing by John Waller

Heavenly Father, You are my hope and salvation. Help me to choose Your blessings instead of the lies of this world. Forgive me for the times I have doubted You and grumbled about the crosses I carry. Help me to choose You with hope and confidence all the time. May I have the patience to wait for your answer. Thank you for St. Thomas as an example and witness to me even when I doubt your presence. Amen.

Don’t doubt God this week! Put your hope and trust in His mercy, in His forgiveness and in His love as He helps you carry Your cross,
Blessings,
Charlotte