In the book of WISDOM we read; “…the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment will ever touch them.”  God wants us to know that He is always with us.  In Matthew’s Gospel Jesus teaches us: “DO NOT BE AFRAID”!  Jesus wants us to acknowledge Him by how we live our lives!  deSales wrote, “Our business only is to become good, devout people, pious men & women; and all our efforts must be  to that end.” (Sermon in a Sentence, p.54)

A friend of mine sent me this story about a mother of the bride who is confronted by a difficult situation.  Her daughter Jennifer’s wedding day was fast approaching.  Nothing could dampen her excitement -- not even her parent's nasty divorce. 

Her mother found the perfect dress to wear!  A week later, Jennifer was horrified  to learn that her father’s new young wife had purchased the exact same dress as her mother!  Jennifer asked her father's new wife to exchange it, but she refused. “Absolutely not, I look like a million bucks in this dress, and I'm wearing it”.

Jennifer told her mother who graciously said, 'Never mind sweetheart.  I'll get another dress.  After all, it's your special day.'   A few days later, they went shopping and found another gorgeous dress.  When they stopped for lunch, Jennifer said to her mom,  'aren’t you going to return the other dress?  You don't have another occasion where you could wear it.’

Her mother just smiled and replied,  “Of course I do, dear.  I'll wear it to your rehearsal dinner.”  Well that was pretty good payback, but you and I are not called to develop clever payback schemes.

We are called to Live Jesus! 

Years ago George Burns played God in the movie, “Oh, God!”  In the movie, God appears to a supermarket assistant manager (John Denver); He wants him to spread His message, despite all the skepticism.  One of the great lines in the movie occurs when God is in court testifying and says, “…maybe it will help to know that I have faith in you.”

God has faith in you & me!  Jesus reminds to “Be Not Afraid” to make Him the focus of our lives.  Jesus wants us to use our gifts, and talents to help build God’s Kingdom!  We are called to use our gifts and talents to do God’s work.

For a few moments, reflect on:

What is driving you? 

What is motivating you?

What is your goal in this life?

May God Be Praised!