As I finally decided to take a moment for the devotion tonight, I realized that yesterday was Tuesday and I was further behind that I thought. I didn't even finish the thought at the end of yesterdays post. Nor did I realize that I didn't even write on yesterday's readings and gospel. If I don't sit down right when I get home I won't be fully devoted to what I'm doing. It's late now and I'm tired and I have 6 readings instead of three.
Something just struck me with one of them...it involved studying the scripture and really getting to know our Catholic faith, something I think most Catholic needs to do, me included. One thing that is always said about Catholics is that they don't know the scriptures, and they don't know enough of the Catholic faith to "defend" it, the sad part is that a defence is even necessary. The common theme is that we believe in one God, the Father the Almighty creator of heaven and Earth of all things visible and invisible...need I go on? So the devotional piece for yesterday says "you can't love what you don't know," If you want to fall in love with Christ, seek to find Him in the scripture. And if you want to fall in love with the Church, her wisdom awaits you in many writings and goes on to talk about the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Although all of it is backed by scripture, I think it's most important to study the actual word of God than the Catechism, although like few Catholics, I actually own a copy.
The other big theme, from yesterday actually, I think I got them mixed up, was taken from Daniel 3:37 "For we are reduced, O Lord, beyond any other nation, brought low everywhere in the world this day because of our sins." It's just a reminder that our sin doesn't just affect us as individuals but it in deed affects the entire body of Christ. We are one. If we as Christians don't stand up for those things that are morally right and faithful, we'll be all alone end the end and Christ will say, I gave you more than one opportunity, but did you take it? Brings me back to the little things that are so important to moving us closer and into a stronger relationship with Christ each day.
My good Christian friend Katie Pritchett Crawford and I had a conversation yesterday evening about a bunch of different things, but one thing she reminded me of what that when we read and study scripture it is not possible to understand everything. It is not our job to think we do or can know and understand everything Heck if that was the case would we need a God? She's one of my go to Christians. She is one of the many blessings I thank God for giving me. I don't know where I'd be without her. I know when I'm struggling with a belief she can give me guidance, when I just need prayer, she is one of my warriors. Sometimes I just need to hear her say "Hey bats" and that makes everything ok. Looking back, I think we were meant to "grow" together. Of course God knew what he was doing, but having her in my life now just means more to me that I could have imagined.
So I'm going on to read the scriptures for today...I love the Psalms, mainly (and I hate to admit it) because they remind of all the songs and responsorials (Psalms) we'd sing in church when we were kids. Lord make me know your ways. Teach me your paths and guide me in the way of your truth, for you are God my Savior." Psalm 25:4-5
The gospel of Matthew today is the story about forgiving not just 7 times, but 7 x 7 times. Matthew 18:35 says "So will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives his brother from the heart." Forgiveness is not something that is done easily, in fact I think it may the hardest thing to do, it takes time and strength. I believe very few people are able to truly forgive someone who has trespassed against them.
I finish off with more words from Matthew's gospel - yet another reminder of what we are on this earth to do. Chapter 5:19 "Therefore, whoever breaks on of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the kingdom of heaven."
Well duh...really now? Why can't we just trust Him will all that we have? I guess it's just as easy to forgive our enemies isn't it?
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