Review: Let Him Lead

 

“An Invitation to Let Jesus Guide Your Heart and Your Life.”

I was given a copy of this book by the author, in thanksgiving for my support of his religious order, The Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, started by my friend Fr. Benedict Groessel.  It was a wonderful gift.

Fr. Jeremiah created this book of 27 reflections based on the daily homilies he gave to a small group of sisters over 3 years.  I love this book, and it re-enforced many of my thoughts and prayers, driving Jesus deeper into my heart.

“We live with the illusion that our life is actually ours.  What have you that you did not receive? (1Cor4:7)   St Paul is alluding to a paradox that lies at the heart of the Gospel.  If we really want to enjoy our life and to love our families, and friends, then we must, to put it biblically, love them less, than God, and stop grasping at them in hope that they can satisfy us.  It is only in this way that we can come to appreciate them most fully.” (Chapter 4, Hating Our Life)

“Our relationship with God is a journey, primarily a journey of purification of our selfishness so as to love others, and especially God, selflessly.” (Ch 13, Love is a Journey)

“The place God reveals Himself most regularly is our normal life. … One of the greatest experiences in this life is being surprised by God, in this present moment.  Every one of us has had these experiences. … In the quiet recesses of our hearts we become aware, for a moment, of God’s presence.  Experiences of God’s presence in our ordinary life … are purely gifts of God’s grace.  There is nothing we can do to make these experiences happen.  The experiences are among the greatest that we can have in life. They remind us that our lives and God are not two separate realities.  The greatest sign of a mature spiritual life is a maturing life, a life where we are becoming more loving, patient, and forgiving, and where we are more willing to trust God beyond what we can see.”  (Ch 19, God is Now)

 

There are many thought-provoking words in this book.  The very short chapters took much time reading, reflecting, and talking to Jesus while in the chapel.  This book was a wonderful gift and will be one of mine to others this Christmas.

A Surprise Present for Jesus

 

I probably wrote about this in the past but bear with me, I mean, it IS supposed to be a surprise. 

A number of years back, the young daughter of a friend was excited about Christmas plans at her house, and happily told them to me.  At a certain point I asked her: You do know whose birthday it is, don’t you?  Jesus, she responded.  And then I asked her if she had ever received a birthday present that was a complete surprise to her, and she readily said yes and gave examples.  So, I then asked her: “What could you give Jesus on His birthday that would be a delightful surprise to Him?”  She paused, then said she’d have to think about that.

Today a friend texted me that she would not be at the adoration chapel this afternoon at the time I usually see her there.  She has relatives in for a few days, and they are exchanging Christmas gifts today.  I responded that she shouldn’t forget whose birthday it is, and plan on a gift for Him also.  Her text back said that she has already offered up her life to Him.  And this time it was me who paused in response.

But later, in the adoration chapel, I said my daily prayers for the poor souls in Purgatory, and the thought came to me that God delights in these souls being released perhaps a bit sooner because of the prayers we offered.  So I texted back to my friend that perhaps she could say a rosary on  Christmas Day for the intention of a single soul to get to heaven that day, which perhaps would not but for her prayers.  I thought that would make Jesus happy on His birthday, and  He could offer the unexpected arrival of that soul in heaven to the Father, as a gift made possible by His cross and her rosary prayer.  My friend liked that idea.

And thinking of the powerful impact of prayers, some of which I’ve shown here, that idea really excites me too.  A surprise birthday present for Jesus!  Wow!

Advent is Starting

 

Bishop Barron’s sermon today, the first Sunday of Advent, was on waiting.  It’s been almost 20 years since I retired and began this blog, and the world has changed.  Worldwide, poverty has dramatically dropped (especially in India and China), and government control in our country has increased.  Many things now seemed better, because “we got what we wanted,” and with the internet and government focus on giving us what we wanted, the powers in control grew more rich and more powerful --- which is what they wanted.  But Advent reminds us to trust, a radical change is coming, which is what our heart really wants.

Today’s chapter in a book I am reading was titled “Anxiety and Distress are Useless.”  The short chapter has many Scripture references, but I especially liked the closing quote: “But above all, preserve peace of heart.”  (Sr. Margaret Mary Alacoque)

Many in our culture today do not have peace of heart, despite having more of “what they want.”  As Bishop Barron noted, being in control and getting what you want only makes you ask for more.  There are many causes of our present situations and usually no simple solutions.  We can’t change the world, but we can change ourselves.  Living out the faith, hope, and charity of Jesus will impact those around us, and achieve Sr. Margaret’s words.  Her words and the blog’s title summarize how we can minimize the impact the culture has on us.  If you become, or hear others become anxious, about ANYTHNG, STOP!  Do not argue, do not worry, do not be anxious.  Trust in Jesus and in His words, and do as He commanded: “love as I have loved,” This is Advent, a time of waiting.  Things will get better.  Have patience; wait.  God is in control, not us.

In many ways, Jesus lived at a time much worse than ours, and as God He could have changed everything.  Instead, He said do not be anxious.  God is in control, then and now.