Today’s video and post are intended to be a simple reminders of the beauty of God. The video features a young girl her pajamas who is totally excited about enjoying the rain for the first time. She doesn’t care about getting wet, getting sick, or falling down. She’s too lost in the joyful moment of expressing her unexpected, overwhelmed, and simple awe before the mystery which is rainfall.
The video led me to think about what an immense gift it is to be able to truly marvel before truly marvelous realities. I know that few of us have it, but we must learn to enjoy God’s gifts in these simple life experiences.
Most of us, unfortunately, have become accustomed, routinized, blinded by the “important” things in life. So today’s video is a gift for all of us who have lost sight of reality in all its depth, riches, and mystery.
Remember, God has chosen the simple to reveal himself: the manager, children, doves, bread, fish, seeds, the fields, donkeys, etc… Awe keeps us awake, alert, on our toes, like lights lit to receive time and time again the Spouse who comes to us in our lives. And, well, if you happen to wait in pajamas (like our young friend) who cares! What is important is that you wait with eyes open and the heart exposed.
Reflection Questions:
1.) What are the simple things in life that cause you to feel this type of awe and joy? When was the last time you talk a moment to experience them again? Find time to laugh, dance, and sing some time this week. Allow your worries and concerns to take a back seat while you enjoy God’s goodness.
2.) Spend some time outside this week and don’t let the weather keep you from it! If it is sunny, remember the Son that God sent down to save us. If it is cold, think about the warmth of God’s love surrounding you. If it is snowing or raining, be reminded of the Holy Spirit falling upon you. Let God speak to you through the beauty of His creation. Remember, “There is no such thing as bad weather. All weather is good because it is God’s.”– Saint Teresa of Avila
3.) If you have children, take a moment to think of a new experience you could provide for them. Anything from trying an exotic fruit or taking a hike in a park you’ve never been to. Observe their excitement and awe. Remind them that these simple gifts from God are more valuable than any material thing that we could ever possess.
- 4 Ways To Practice Mental Chastity
Facebook Pinterest Gmail LinkedIn Print Friendly “The vow of chastity includes purity of body and soul; this is easily lost … This great treasure is deposited in a castle, which has many portals and openings, and if these are not well guarded and defended, the treasure is without security.”– Venerable Mary of Agreda Chastity often gets… Read more: 4 Ways To Practice Mental Chastity - From Caution To Communion: How God Uses Family Tension To Heal Us
Facebook Pinterest Gmail LinkedIn Print Friendly Most people do not withdraw from relationships because they are unloving.They withdraw because they are wounded. In families especially, proximity can feel perilous. Wounded history accumulates like unspoken debt. Words linger long after they are spoken. Reactions calcify into rigid expectations. Soon we find ourselves tiptoeing around those we… Read more: From Caution To Communion: How God Uses Family Tension To Heal Us - 4th Sunday Of Lent Gospel Reflection John 9:1-41
Facebook Pinterest Gmail LinkedIn Print Friendly This reflection is an excerpt from The Liturgical Sense of the Readings at Mass (Year A). Click here to purchase! As Jesus passed by he saw a man blind from birth.His disciples asked him,“Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”Jesus answered,“Neither he nor his parents… Read more: 4th Sunday Of Lent Gospel Reflection John 9:1-41 - As A Catholic Parent, Here’s How I Guide My Kids When They’re Afraid
Facebook Pinterest Gmail LinkedIn Print Friendly Most of our fears as young kids revolve around nighttime. As we grow up, the tools we’re taught stay with us. Whether you’ve got young ones or older ones (or fears yourself), you can keep it simple with these ways my husband and I fight fears with our kids. What… Read more: As A Catholic Parent, Here’s How I Guide My Kids When They’re Afraid - How Many Catholics Have Won the Nobel Peace Prize?
Facebook Pinterest Gmail LinkedIn Print Friendly Throughout history, Catholics—both religious and lay—have actively engaged in efforts to end war, poverty, hunger, and injustice. From vastly different disciplines and corners of the world, they have placed their lives at the service of peace, following Jesus’ command: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children… Read more: How Many Catholics Have Won the Nobel Peace Prize?
