Our Lady of the Holy Rosary — St. Richard Catholic Church

Our Lady of the Holy Rosary-St. Richard Catholic Church

July 29, 2018 - SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE SAFE RELEASE OF LEAH SHARIBU AND OTHERS WHO ARE HELD CAPTIVE BECAUSE THEY REFUSE TO RENOUNCE THEIR CHRISTIAN FAITH

"Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”

"If you judge people, you have no time to love them.”

St. Mother Teresa

"BEING PRESENT TO EACH MOMENT"

What are you thinking about right now?

We are created as a union of body and spirit, endowed with a mind that gives us the ability to think, to analyze, to imagine, and to reflect on our thinking. Our body exists only in this present moment, but our mind may be somewhere else, such as in the past or in the future.

Most of our unhappiness and debilitating emotions arise from our self-centered mind talking non-stop about our hurts, injustices, regrets, sins, and “what ifs” from our past, or the anxieties, fears, and worries that arise when we think about our future. With regard to the past, Jesus says our sins are forgiven (Lk 7:48). As to the future Jesus says, “Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself” (see Matthew 6:34). Rather, we are called to live each moment by trusting in God’s love and mercy to sustain us. For in God “we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28).

Thoughts of the past or future are just illusory images created in our self-centered mind that prevent us from experiencing God’s loving presence in each and every moment. It is through non-judgmental awareness of the present moment that we can experience the eternal reality, depth, presence and love of the living God who is “I AM,” and to live each moment to its fullest as God in-tends for each of us. It is in the present moment that we can begin to see our self, others, and the world as God sees—through eyes of love, truth, beauty, goodness, compassion, and mercy.

As you plod through your daily routine, are you aware of the presence of others, and the miracles and wonders of God’s creation? Do you see the least of our sisters and brothers who are hungry, homeless, poor, sick, thirsty, imprisoned, or strangers? As Jesus teaches, God is present in each of them and what you do for any of them, you do for God (Mt 25:40). Rest assured, such people are present to us throughout the day, but if we are not present to that moment we will not notice them. Or, we may see or hear them, but our self-centered mind begins to judge them, or imagines different reasons why we should ignore them, or even rebuke them.

Each moment of our life is open to the possibility of a new beginning. We have the ability and freedom to choose when, where, on what, or on whom we focus our attention. The way we think can transform the way we live and, in turn, the way we live can transform the way we think. It is in the present moment that the Spirit can transform our life and the lives of others as we journey together towards each new moment. We just need to let go of our self-centered thoughts and surrender to God’s presence and love, truth, goodness, beauty, compassion, and mercy manifested in each present moment. 

Reflect on Your Experience

Where do you usually live your life—in the past, in the future, or in the present moment?

What can you do to let go of your self-centered thoughts and surrender to God’s presence and love, goodness, beauty, compassion, and mercy in the present moment?  

"Living in the Present Moment" (Fr. Mike Schmitz)

"The Power of the Present Moment"

"Live in the Now"

"Living the Present Moment"

"The Grace Potential of the Present Moment"

"Live the Now Moment"

"Living in the Present Moment" (Mother Angelica)