Ordinary Time

The Father is my loving Father. I am His beloved child. You are his beloved child. And he is indeed well pleased with each of us, not because of anything we’ve done, but because of who He is.

It’s easier to put people into categories rather than see them as an individual loved in particular by God. As Lent begins, think of the people in your life that you have dumped into categories, and ask God for the grace to see them as He does.

We are not spared the crosses and hardships of this world, but God is right there with us in the thick of it. Look at your cross at home and let it be a reminder to you that in everything, our God is with us: not sparing us troubles, but promising to be with us in the midst of them and, ultimately, to bring hope out of them.

Despite the world's uncertainties, Fr. Dave reminds us of the security we have in Jesus. Take time daily (literally every day) to release the anxiety that so easily robs us of living fully.

With the prevalence of social media, it’s easy to fill our minds (and hearts) with all kinds of (relatively) worthless words that we won’t remember even five minutes from now. This year, why not resolve to get to know God’s Word better, allowing it to shape your mind and heart so as to be better able to receive His life and His peace? Consider tithing your time you spend on social media and media in general - 10% of that time each day dedicated to reading God's words or praying.

We are God's children, and God's home (the Church) is our home. Each of us belong here, and none of us need a reason to visit. It is simply a place to be yourself and to be with God.

Take time each day to listen into your heart and hear Jesus say to you personally, "I love you; I'm fond of you; I value and treasure you" — and let that be the foundation for how we live our lives.