Part XII
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We are EXTRAORDINARY. Jesus came to give us life. God wants us to expect more from ourselves and be the best that we can be. Don’t have an “ordinary mindset”. Each of us is an original – we are God’s masterpieces. Only you were created to be you. All of our lives are full of routine – we do our jobs, cook dinner, pay bills, etc. And we do this every day. But we can produce extraordinary results in the routines of life. Our challenges and difficulties are not to make us suffer but to bring good out of us. When we are faithful with the gifts and abundance that God gives us, we create extraordinary – an extraordinary family, an ability to make good happen in the various areas of our lives. Be faithful in the small – this builds commitment, understanding and vision – all of which are extraordinary. Don’t let the definition of someone else's success be an obstacle to your growth. God always sees value in each of us. Comparison with others can change us from extraordinary to ordinary. We are all one of a kind – don’t shrink your life down. Be your best every day. Who we are is Whose we are – children of a loving God. Stay faithful.
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Jesus is a God of Mercy. He sees us and accepts us with all our feelings and fears – just as we are. Jesus feeds us in the Eucharist. If we feel we have received the mercy of Jesus for ourselves then we can show mercy and offer help and supportive healing to others. The Lord always gives us the grace we need to be a merciful and loving community. Jesus is always present giving Himself to us so we, with love, might give ourselves to others.
How do we live in peace and bring the light of God to the world?
1) Believe that we are each the beloved child of a loving God – we have done nothing to
earn this or to deserve this.
2) Jesus teaches us time and again about love of God, love of neighbor, love of self, and
love of our enemies. Hear Him.
3) Be generous with Forgiveness as God forgives us our trespasses.
4) Be aware of the power of boundless compassion. If we want to live in a world where
God lives, we will then live in compassion for others.
One moment can change the life of another person – a moment that might not have meant much to you might be huge to someone else. Sometimes it is the littlest things that make the biggest difference. In God's Kingdom, small things, small moments can have a big impact. Seed parables are present in the Synoptic Gospels – these parables urge us to be patient with growth. Don’t underestimate the power of a mustard seed, God says. How much faith do we have? When a seed is placed in the right place at the right time, its growth is miraculous. Let us share the word of God with other people and let it spread.
“God is ‘Pazzo D’Amore’ (Crazy in Love) for each of us.” St. Catherine of Siena