MFT81

I would like to share an idea or two today on how each one of us can make this beautiful season of the year more sacred, more spiritual and more meaningful. You know it is very easy to criticize all the materialism and the paganism and the secularism that seems to be so often associated with this beautiful holiday of the Birth of Christ. This criticism doesn't do much to change anything. Each one of us has an obligation to make this season the most sacred. But how? That is the question we all face. One of the most beautiful approaches to this season can be found in the writings of St. Francis. He, as you know, is the author of that beautiful prayer, "Lord make me an instrument of your peace, where there is sadness let me bring joy; where there is hatred, let me bring love; where there is despair, let me bring light." Each one in his own way has the ability within himself or herself to become an instrument of peace to those nearby.

Isn‘t that a marvelous idea? But how in the world does one person do those things that St. Francis suggests. Well for one thing we need to spend a little more time in our contemplative life. You know those moments that we spend alone with our thoughts and our relationship with our maker. If you are waiting around for someone to come along and feed you the contemplative life on a silver spoon, don’t hold your breath, because you will be waiting for a long time. For that is something you will have to do on your own initiative. God will be there to guide and assist in the process. You can count on that, but it will be up to you to begin the process. We have offered suggestions from time to time in these “Friendly Thoughts” pages. But they are merely suggestions. It’s up to you, dear friend, whether you would really like to be in a closer and deeper relationship with God

If that is your wish you must determine that you are ready to give your innermost self over to a complete sharing in the Mystery of Christ. His death and resurrection. We are constantly reminded of this theme in the scriptures. “Unless the grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone. But if it dies it bears much fruit.” (John 12:24) “to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21) This dying and rising up again is an integral part of our Christian life. And it is absolutely imperative that this principal be a part of our entering into the life of contemplation.

When you decide to open yourself up to God, to accept the truth revealed in the Scriptures, and to desire a real relationship with this Jesus who lived and died and rose again, SOMETHING WONDERFUL HAPPENS. There may even be miraculous healings, divine interventions, or many other kinds of experiences, to numerous to mention. But primarily there is a fundamental change in the person seeking to have the relationship. Because God has told us in the scriptures that He wants that relationship, and a bond begins to develop because God is the bonding agent. The Bible tells us to, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." (James 4:8) It also says of God that "you will find him if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul." (Deut 4:29)

That is almost too good to be true. But I can personally vouch for the fact that it is true. And I have 89 years of fellowship with God to prove it. If you desire such a relationship with God, why don’t you give it your best effort and enjoy the best years of your life from now on! I promise you won’t be disappointed!