Today (May 23) I went to mass at the Cathedral. I didn’t know the priest that was celebrating, but something he said in his homily just made me stop and think.

The reading came from Sirach 5 and the Gospel came from Mark 9. He started out by saying, “Today’s readings force us to sound the alarm. One day we will be judged by God.” (I know, I know, what’s new?) But later he said, “We have to start turning towards God and away from sin,” which in my head I thought, “Yeah, that’s what I’m trying to do every single day,” but he continued, “We shouldn’t focus completely on turning away from sin. It’s more about turning towards God which consequently turns us away from sin.” 

That is when I stopped. All this time I have been just trying to turn away from sin and not focussed on turning towards God.

The middle line represents my life. There are two ways in which I can go: towards sin or towards God. It’s a battle between the devil and the Holy Spirit to bring me the way they want me to go. I was reminded of the verse in First Peter that says, “Love covers over a multitude of sins.” (I know it’s a stretch, but stick with me.) To turn away from sin, I must turn to God. I need to keep my complete focus on Him, and in turn, I turn away from sin! It’s not about fear of sin; it’s about love for God. “Love covers over a multitude of sins.” And now I understand how! It seems simple, but I must let the Holy Spirit win this battle in my life! 

Oh Holy Spirt, lead me to God! Point me in the direction of God and help me love Him completely in order to completely turn away from sin! Amen!

One of the most powerful prayers, found in today’s gospel. We have to meet Him half way though. It’s not good enough to just expect God to instantly make us holy. We have to work for holiness and strive for holiness everyday, and when we fall down, we have to start right back over and try again. Holiness IS possible. Have faith and ask for more.

Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief.

These are the words that struck me as I was praying in from of the tabernacle today. I went in to pray after a very stressful day, ready to complain and make God deal with it. I knelt down and asked, “What do you want me to hear?” and immediately thought of these words: “Be still and know that I am here. I bowed down and praised Him. I’ve been so worried about me and what I’m doing with my life that I had forgotten the words in Psalm 46: “Be still, and know that I am God.” 

Prayer is such a wonderful gift from God, but I haven’t used my prayer for praise recently. That is about to change though, and it started today with just me and Him and the words from Psalm 150. 

Psalm 46:10

Be still, and know that I am God, I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.

Jesus didn’t come to this earth to make life comfortable. He straight out told us that this live isn’t going to be comfortable for His people. He told us that we had to work, that we will be persecuted, but you know what, He did promise that it would be rewarding. Heaven is the goal, life is the mission. Go through it in peace according to His will.

Romans 8:28

We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.

(Source: catholicgeek, via catholicmemes)

I’ve created this new account to reflect on who I am and to do away with who I’ve been. I’m done with filling my head with trash, succumbing to the earthly views, denying my conscience, and turning my back on God. I am a man of faith, and I’m going to start showing that better. I am discerning God’s plan for me, and I’m going to start praying better. I love The Lord, and I am going to show Him better. People always tell me, “I can’t change. I am who I am, and nothing can ever change me.” I’m here to tell you different. Matthew 19:26 says that with God all things are possible. So don’t ever tell me you can’t be who you want to be. I’m being who I want to be! Did this change overnight? No! It’s a process that I’m working at every single day, and though sometimes I might stray off the path, I am determined to be the man God wants me to be, and that’s the man that I want to be.