God's love for each of us is very personal.
One
evening more than a decade ago, I was resting in the spare bedroom of our
former home and suddenly a huge book appeared before me.
The
book was open to a section that described the Sacrament of Marriage as
designed by God for humanity. Words were visible on the two pages before
me as in any book, but I understood what was written without having to read the words. During that moment I was astounded at how intelligent and very beautiful the information was.
Then the Voice that makes no sound said, "Keep your focus on eternity."
God
loves each one of us so immensely. His love for you and me is deeply
personal. Oh that we would spend our lives adoring Him with a love that
is deeply personal in return! How great is His mercy, His compassion!
How caught up we get in things that are of no value to our souls and have no value for the souls of our brothers and sisters. We are to keep focused on that which is eternal: Our relationship with God. Accepting and returning His love, and sharing His love with one another. Preaching the Gospel, using words if necessary (St. Francis). Loving. Serving. Forgiving. Sharing. Caring.
How caught up we get in things that are of no value to our souls and have no value for the souls of our brothers and sisters. We are to keep focused on that which is eternal: Our relationship with God. Accepting and returning His love, and sharing His love with one another. Preaching the Gospel, using words if necessary (St. Francis). Loving. Serving. Forgiving. Sharing. Caring.
At the time I saw the book, received information on the Sacrament of Marriage and was instructed to focus on eternity, my marriage was in the process of ending, rapidly. I did not even know it, but God knew. The Sacrament of Marriage is vital to God's plan for humanity. Pray that the Author of Marriage be invited to every wedding! Pray that all those called to the vocation of holy matrimony realize the value of the vow that they have made and go to God, often, for the strength needed to honor that promise.
Through the past ten years I have often recalled the moment when God offered me crucial information in advance of my divorce. He consoled me and guided me into the next phase of my evolving apostolate with His instruction to keep my focus on that which is eternal.
God instituted marriage and few understand how highly He values it. Some marriages succumb the assaults of the devil, who does all he can to divide spouses because he knows how valuable holy marriages are. Sometimes one spouse has entered into eternity. Circumstances change throughout our lifetimes, and God's love transcends every one of them. Be comforted with the knowledge that eternal joy in the presence of God awaits the just in heaven.
Each
one of us has been given a role to play in God's plan of salvation.
Each one of us encounters suffering and loss on our way to eternity.
There to love us, guide us, teach us, and help us through every
circumstance is God who values us so much He willed us into being so
that we could spend an eternity in His most loving Presence.
Roughly ten years after seeing the book, I walked into the chapel of a church
in a neighboring city to visit with Jesus present in the Eucharist. I
gasped out loud when I saw a life-sized statue of Jesus scourged. If you
ever doubt how much God loves you, meditate on the image of our beloved
Jesus during His Passion and remember that He agreed to accept that
which was yours to endure. Jesus loves you that much! Do not allow
yourself to be tempted to think otherwise, and keep your focus on
sharing that love with Him in eternity, forever!!
Our most compassionate and loving Jesus, on this very special anniversary we thank You and honor You for everything including all the joys and the sorrows. Thank You for Your tender love and care.
Today I renew my vow and give myself entirely to You, and promise to love and honor You all the days of my life.
Thank You for having satisfied Divine Justice in our place and for opening the gateway of Salvation! May every individual enter through Your most Sacred Heart and take the
place reserved for him or her in Your kingdom.
Our most compassionate and loving Jesus, on this very special anniversary we thank You and honor You for everything including all the joys and the sorrows. Thank You for Your tender love and care.
Today I renew my vow and give myself entirely to You, and promise to love and honor You all the days of my life.
Thank You for having satisfied Divine Justice in our place and for opening the gateway of Salvation! May every individual enter through Your most Sacred Heart and take the
place reserved for him or her in Your kingdom.
"Do
not be concerned about who is on your side or who is against you; just
be sure that God is with you. If your conscience is clear, be sure that
He will defend you. The malice of others can never harm you as long as
He is by your side.
"Be
silent and endure for a while and you will experience the help of God
in your need. No doubt about it, for God knows when and how to deliver
you. So put yourself in His care. It is up to God to help and to deliver
from all dilemma. However, we should realize that often it is good for
others to know our defects and call us to order for them, for it keeps
us humble." 1
Through every circumstance, in all that you do, keep your focus on eternity. We shall reap what we sow.
Sources:
1. Thomas A. Kempis, The Imitation of Christ (New York: Catholic Book Publishing Corporation, 1993), p. 71.
