The Daily Word
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Life and Happiness
Today the Church remembers Pope St. Paul VI, an advocate for the preservation of the sanctity of human life. As humans, I think we all want to be happy in this life, but we must be in touch with the source of this happiness to do so. Our lives are precious and sacred because it is a gift from God, yes, but why?
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“For man cannot attain that true happiness for which he yearns with all the strength of his spirit, unless he keeps the laws which the Most High God has engraved in his very nature. These laws must be wisely and lovingly observed.”
— Pope Saint Paul VI in Humane Vitae
What is it that you want most out of life? I think it may be safe to say that most people, and perhaps you too, would like to be happy and secure and without worry in this life. In other words, we want to be able to life and enjoy life. Guess what? That’s what God wants for you too. In fact Jesus said that He had come to give us life and for us to have it to the full. But sometimes we settle for fleeting happiness and immediate gains.
Today we remember Pope St. Paul VI who preached and advocated for the preservation of the sanctity of human life. If we really want to enjoy and live life then we need to understand its sanctity. Our lives aren’t special because of how good of a name we have made for ourselves, but because it is a gift from God. Our lives are sacred because God’s very breath, His very Life and Love is within us; it is that which makes us living beings. When we think about that — that God’s very Spirit, His Life and His Love is inside of us, how can we but not be filled with gratitude and want to cherish it and really live life out to its very fullest?
We want true joy and happiness in this life, and Jesus came to give it to us. May we come to realize the sanctity and preciousness of our lives, the fact that God Himself is within us, and live each and every moment of our lives showing that truth.
Pope St. Paul VI, pray for us!
Down to the Roots
When the Apostles saw that the fig tree had withered, they were amazed, but Jesus challenged them to think deeper. Instead of being amazed or surprised that the fig tree had indeed withered, they were invited to a deeper trust in God and relationship with Him (so that they won’t wither). For faith and prayer can do much greater things.
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Have you ever taken a plant out of its pot? What did you see? Roots. Lots of roots. Those roots are what gave rise to the beautiful plant.
If we do not water and fertilize the plant, its roots will wither. Without the roots, the plant will die. Likewise, without prayer and faith, our spiritual life will wither. When Peter exclaimed that the fig tree had withered (Mk. 11:20-26), Jesus responded with “Have faith in God.” What could have caused the tree to wither? Perhaps a wrong understanding of who Jesus was and His mission. Our Lord was inviting them to a deeper faith, a faith that was rooted in Him. To have faith in God means to know and believe deeply that Our God loves us and wants to give us all that we need, and that He indeed does. Do we believe that? We have faith because Jesus first had faith in His Father. Our life must be rooted in our faith in Jesus Christ, which is nourished by prayer and the sacraments.
What are some of the things in our lives that cause our spiritual life to wither? Lack of time? Past hurt? Unforgiveness? Let us take a few minutes today and bring whatever is in our hearts to the Lord who tells us, “I tell you whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it shall be yours.” Our faith must be down to the roots and grafted onto Jesus Christ for then unlike the fig tree, we will not wither but instead thrive and become fully alive.
Fruit of Persistence
When Bartimaeus called out to Jesus others tried to drown him out. But he didn’t give up. He kept calling out to Jesus and eventually Jesus calls him. Jesus asks him what he would like for Him to do for him. Bartimaeus wants to see. What do you think Jesus does? And what does that mean for us?
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"Jesus said to him in reply,
'What do you want me to do for you?'
The blind man replied to him,
'Master, I want to see.'"
Mark 10:51
When the blind man Bartimaeus kept calling out to Jesus, those around him told him to be quiet and blocked him from seeing Jesus. But he didn’t give up. He kept calling out to Jesus, and Jesus eventually called out to Him. Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” Bartimaeus answered, “I want to see.” And guess what? Jesus healed him. Not only was his sight restored, his heart was opened too. “Your faith has saved you.”
Jesus did not say anything about his sight or vision, but He said “your faith has saved you.” Jesus brought healing to Bartimaeus to more levels than he asked — he thought he only needed physical healing, but the Lord gave him that and more. Jesus saved him, not just heal. But it was only because there was faith was it possible.
Jesus comes to you today. What is it that you want Jesus to do for you? Which part or parts of your life do you need healing? Invite Jesus in. There may be some things or even some people who may try to keep us from the Lord, but don’t give up. Do not allow the past to keep you from going to the Lord. Maybe your prayers were not answered in the past. Or maybe you feel that God ignored you when you called out to Him. But just like with Bartimaeus, God gives to us what we need, deep down into our hearts and souls. God does not want to give us superficial things. He wants to save us and give us life. Don’t give up when it seems like prayer is fruitless. It’s not. God hears you. Keep calling out to Him because He calls out to you too. Do you hear Him? Jesus asks you, “What do you want me to do for you?”
