Keep Focused

 

  I have been blessed to travel a little in my lifetime. Letting my eyes drink in so many of God's beautiful creations inspires me to praise Him for His many gifts and reminds me of my littleness in this big world. Sunday Mass is always essential. Catholic churches come in many sizes and architectural styles. The Mass, however, is universally the same. Wherever I am, I know that during the Mass, I am at home. I love the Mass! What saddens me, though, are the distractions I sometimes encounter before the Mass.

  I am grateful for parishes with active ministries serving the community's needs. It is wonderful, but I would prefer to give these programs my full attention after Mass. I am also happy that those in the pews have close relationships with one another, but let's celebrate those friendships after Mass. Like many of you, I have a busy life. I long to spend sacred moments with the Lord away from earthly distractions. I want to stay focused on praising God, but I am weak, and my senses can be easily distracted.  I need your help to stay focused.

  The Mass is the highest form of prayer.  The Mass is a sacred time when we join our prayers with Jesus to praise and worship God the Father. Participating in the holy Mass is the most important part of our lives.  The Mass is not meant to be casual or entertaining. It is sacred time spent praising God's goodness. I am embarrassed to admit that I can let distracting thoughts interfere with the sacredness of the moment.

  I realize I need help.  Personally, I need to prepare for Mass.  I need to prepare my heart to hear God's words and receive Jesus in the Eucharist.  I need to be open to the gentle guidance of my guardian angel, who leads me to worship as in heaven.  I need to unite myself with Mary so that I may imitate her disposition and receive all the graces the Lord has prepared for me. Preparing for Mass is important to me. When I walk through the church doors and enter the sanctuary, I want to focus on the Lord. 

  I realize some of you prayer warriors don't let anything distract you. I truly admire that. But it's possible that, like me, others are being distracted as well. Help me stay focused on the sacrifice of the Mass until the final blessing and dismissal. Then we can go out together to serve the Lord, the community, and one another.

-Susan

How Clear Is Your Vision?

 

  This morning, I let my dog outside and looked across the backyard. There was something in the yard that looked unusual to me. I asked my daughter, "What is that in the yard?" 

 "Mom, that is just a fallen tree branch with shriveled-up leaves," she answered confidently, surprised at my confusion.

 "No, I don't think it is," I responded. I took my phone out of my back pocket, took a picture, and zoomed in on it. "Oh, you were right."

 "I know I was, " my daughter teased. "I don't know why you couldn't see it."

 Most of us can relate to not always seeing things accurately. This thought popped into my brain while preparing for tomorrow's readings. I imagined myself sitting in my usual pew at Mass. What did I see at Mass, and how much am I missing? How visible is God to me? Am I seeing the whole picture?

  How is this same Mass viewed from heaven? I imagine it is entirely different. From heaven, our understanding will be complete and our vision clear. God will be so visibly present in each moment. Imagine seeing the graces given to the Church and to each person present. Imagine seeing all the angels and saints surrounding the altar. Seeing the Lamb of God given to the Father just for you. Envision praising God with new boldness and love. 

  Tomorrow, I'm going to try to see the Mass differently. I know my vision will still be limited, but what if I allow God to enlighten my heart and soul so my mind can envision more than I currently see? And, I wonder if God will teasingly tell me, "I don't know why you couldn't see it?"  

-Susan