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Being with God in Ordinary Events
Sometimes I read or hear about a saint in heaven and think, “I wish I could be like that.”
But I often dismiss the thought as impossible. Yet as I reflect further, I realize that even the saints may have had similar thoughts at some point in their lives.
But they did something that I am just beginning to discover: They had a canny way to live fully in the present moment and be their best selves. I realize the present moment is the only moment I can be with God, and God can help me.
For example, I think of how frustrating it can be when I’m working on the computer.
It isn’t cooperating—or, worse, I am writing a document, homily, email, whatever, and for some reason, maybe a power surge, I lose it. I waste so much time! Unbelievable.
Then I recall reading about St. Maximilian Kolbe, a Polish priest who, during World War II, was taken prisoner by the Nazis for hiding thousands of Jewish refugees fleeing persecution. A man escaped in July 1941, and ten men were chosen to starve in an underground bunker to discourage others from escaping.
You may recall that he replaced a man with a young family. The man cried, “My wife! My children!” Kolbe volunteered to take his place. After two weeks without food or water, he was the only survivor. A guard then executed him with a lethal injection on August 14 because they needed the bunker again.
We all need to consider how our culture is allergic to sacrifice and addicted to comfort.
How much we get caught up in that, without realizing it. We can offer our little disappointments for people around the world facing what Maximilian Kolbe faced.
We can choose to pray for them, and when we do, our frustration always leaves.
Poor in spirit, mourning, showing mercy, facing persecution – the 8 Beatitudes are attitudes that help us be what God enables us to be with Him in moments of weakness and frustration. It is so much better than all the pain we put ourselves and others through.
Gospel Challenge:
A small sacrifice made out of love can be a powerful tool, filled with God’s grace,
and used to help others, perhaps someone we know who is bearing a heavy cross.
Saints, like us, seek God’s help to grow in joy and in suffering. This realization empowers us to make a difference in others’ lives.
How good it is to be with God in this moment with you. I thank him for it.
Love Your Neighbor!
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
