When One You Love is Distant

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Have you ever had somebody you love distance themselves from you? Maybe it was your child. Maybe it was your husband or wife, maybe your boyfriend or girlfriend. Maybe it was a close friend. Maybe it was someone else for whom you cared deeply.

How did it feel? Were you hurt? Confused? Did you want to fix it? What would you have given to just be near them again?

Take a moment and reflect on this.

…Seriously, do it. Then keep reading…

Stretch your arms out for an embrace and see them turn their back. You show them the perfect sign of love, and they reject it. You are confused and hurt. Now tie yourself to a pillar and allow them to beat you incessantly. Place a crown of thorns on your head and allow that person to nail you to a cross. Can't imagine such a thing? You're right; it's unfathomable. Praise God somebody already did that for us.

The agony inflicted upon Jesus when we turn from him is a million fold worse than any pain of separation we could ever endure. Whenever you feel yourself getting distant from Him, imagine the pain you felt when someone you loved distanced themselves from you. Imagine that pain, and then consider how much more painful it is for Christ. Then embrace Him. He showed you the perfect sign of love. Accept it! Nothing can make him more joyful than receiving your love daily!

Real Presence!

Holy Thursday Mass is my second favorite of the year, after Easter Vigil. The Mass of the Lord’s Supper celebrates the institution of the Eucharist, the greatest gift ever given to mankind. In the Eucharist, we are able to receive Jesus Christ, body, blood, soul and divinity, into our human bodies.

Stop. Stop and seriously think about that for a minute.

"What wonderful majesty! What stupendous condescension! O sublime humility! That the Lord of the whole universe, God and the Son of God, should humble Himself like this under the form of a little bread, for our salvation"

-Saint Francis of Assisi

I can still remember the first time Jesus came to me in the Most Blessed Sacrament. I never knew what true freedom was until that beautiful encounter. Never can I go back; His Presence is all-consuming, and brings a joy unfathomable unless experienced.

Let's give thanks for this wonderful gift and pray that it is bestowed on every person in this world!!