Lazy in Faith

Health and beauty.  Two American obsessions.  Standing in the checkout line at the grocery store last night, just about every magazine had beautiful (photoshopped I'm sure!) faces and articles about how to lose weight fast. This, they purport, is what will make you happy. Better makeup, better workouts. I have to admit, I get caught up in all of it at times. But look closer at the headlines.  Beneath those beautiful faces gracing the cover of a magazine are words of affairs, abandonment, and lies. Bottom line is, beauty and health don't create a better life. There is nothing wrong with taking care of yourself.  But think about how much better the world would be if it focused on spiritual health and beauty. Devoting time and energy toward growing closer to Christ.  Giving children the gift of faith. Making it to Mass every Sunday and not just when you feel like going. If you've never prayed the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary and want to learn how Jesus suffered for us, pray them!  Don't be lazy when it comes to your faith. Jesus deserves complete dedication.


Todays first reading (2 Peter 3:12-15a,17-18) advises us to be vigilant:

Beloved: Wait for and hasten the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved in flames and the elements melted by fire. But according to his promise we await new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.

Therefore, beloved, since you await these things, be eager to be found without spot or blemish before him, at peace. And consider the patience of our Lord as salvation.

Therefore, beloved, since you are forewarned, be on your guard not to be led into the error of the unprincipled and to fall from your own stability. But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

In Volume One, Thoughts on Spirituality, Jesus expresses the security He provides when we follow Him:

“I am with you, child. I feel your weakness and sickness and will adjust your responsibilities accordingly. This will pass. Offer your suffering to Me so that I can nourish souls, especially souls who are in error and in danger of falling away. My heart aches for them. They feel they have been abandoned, yet it is they who have abandoned the true faith. Suffer willingly for them, little one. We must draw them back with goodness and joy. A true follower of Mine is joyful and serene. When you see Christians who claim to be following Me, but they are sad and morose, you should be alert. Despair and depression do not come from Me. My followers are given hope and a lightness of spirit, despite difficulties. If you, yourself, notice you are feeling sad more often, it is because you are not connected to Me through prayer and the sacraments. Be vigilant about your faith and you will not falter. I am with you. I will never leave you. Ask Me for courage and courage will be yours.”

Lay apostles, no more excuses. Yes, Jesus notices when we choose sleeping in over Him on Sunday mornings. Yes, He notices when the world becomes much more important to us than He is.  If we truly believe in Jesus Christ, then we must believe He lives within each and every one of us, 24/7. The next time you are tempted to become lazy in faith, put on those boxing gloves and fight for your spirituality. This is where true health and beauty reside.

Thank you, Lord, for showing me the outside isn't as important as the inside. Impressing you is actually easier and more fulfilling than impressing the world!

God bless,

Bonnie