Ruth: Chapter 19: Time for a Change
The introduction stated “The human heart yearns for happiness, and God wants us to be happy.” I realized when reading this that I often take the happiness part for granted ….Not that I don't recognize it but in "prayer time" I tend to dwell more on my and others needs, on the trials of life, the call to serve, etc. I spend time in adoration but get seldom think to thank the Lord for my happiness. I need to be more attentive to and thank God for the simple daisy that I love, the gift of friends in this online study, or children that call, etc….all things that make me happy. All gifts from a God that wants me to be happy. Thank you Lord for the happiness I am blessed with. Tom had told me that I would really like Chapter 19 and I did. As someone with a heart for the local mission field all I could say was “AMEN” to most of Matthew’s suggestions. I so agreed with his evaluation of Catholic education. I believe that the struggle our Holy Family system faces would be so different if our schools really called students and parents to really understand, live and defend their Catholic faith. Parents and teachers cannot pass on what they don’t know and treasure. Few of us know why the church teaches what it does and we have not been called to understand or treasure church teaching. Where are the young? This is a good question that I often ask. Where are the children when we have stations of the cross, prayer walks, etc. Matthew is right when he says, “We have to become a spiritual people”. Only then will we have a hunger to learn and only then can we pass on our faith in an authentic way. “Ignorance of the truth is the enemy of the Church, Catholic education, and indeed Christ.” Just as Matthew challenges us to pray and work on the conversion of 5 people I want to challenge you guys to do what I have been doing - to give this book as gifts to friends and family….(Christmas is coming). I just sent a copy as part of a thank you gift to a fallen – a – way Catholic cousin in Florida. She acknowledged and thanked me for the book more than she did the other items in the box. I pray it touches her heart and that she passes it on. This chapter gave concrete steps to growing in and sharing the love of Christ. What a gift…nothing new but so important. Say a prayer that Matthew Kelly be blessed for sharing the wisdom the Lord has blessed him with…… We are called to relationship and sent on mission. Happiness, a true gift!
- posted by Ruth @ 10:21 PM