Random Thoughts and Prayers, by Deacon Sam                                          

February 2025

I exist because God wants me to exist. The core truth of Christianity is that we are loved as we are at this very moment. We are, at times, reluctant to face ourselves honestly because of shame. Guilt says, "I know I have done wrong". Shame, however, says "I know that you know I have done wrong". Shame says that you know the truth about my heart. Secrecy is where shame lives - it tells us that we are not now lovable. BUT - in the midst of our brokenness, God declares we are lovable - He rejoices in our presence, loves us even when we are hard to love, and does not reject us because of our shame. As humans we are afraid of the unknown - we are afraid of the future and death. Sometimes we worry if there is anything inside of us that will disqualify us from entering heaven and seeing God face-to-face. But we can trust in God's grace, His mercy and His love and not be afraid that our sins are too big for Him. God will never abandon us. Unless we believe that God really loves us, we can very likely spend our lives trying to convince God that we are lovable and worth loving. We don't have to torture ourselves this way.

The gift of salvation has been freely given to us. We are each called to find God in our lives and to, as best as we can, love as He loves. God formed us into a family to bring His peace and joy into this world. Who are the people God has placed in our lives and is asking us to love?

Jesus is God's love made visible. Is Jesus too good to be true? Jesus is absolutely good - He is the Son of God come down from heaven to heal the sick, raise the dead, and show us how to live and how to love. Jesus is not just an interesting person in history - He was alive 2000 years ago and He is alive today. Jesus shows us who God is. May we open our eyes to see God made visible and thank Him for coming into our lives and inviting us to follow Him in love, justice and compassion. We live in the service of God. May we all hear one day God telling each of us, "You are mine and I am well pleased with you".

We know there is evil in the world. Is there anywhere that is safe? Sometimes we look to magic for help, but we really do not need to do this. Rather, we simply turn to Jesus. Call out His name and say, "Jesus help me". When we are tormented, hurting or afraid, Jesus is stronger than any evil and Jesus never abandons us. He knows all the trouble we face and He makes all the difference. Call on the name of the Lord even if we have to do this 100 times a day. Jesus hears us and answers us - He hears our broken heart and broken spirit. No matter what is troubling us in our head or in our heart, ask Jesus to help us and heal us. Call on Jesus who will never forget or abandon us.

"The lives of the saints are nothing but the Gospel put into practice."         St. Francis de Sales

"The saints were not superhuman. They were people who loved God in their hearts and who shared this joy with others.”                                                                            Pope Francis

“There are things in life that are bigger than ourselves. Life is short, live it well."     St. Jerome