Living in Gratitude

by David Lins  |  07/14/2019  |  (Being) Catholic Matters

We often fall victim to thinking following Jesus is complicated. After all, the Catechism of the Catholic Church is a pretty thick book! Yet, I would submit that every word in that document is directed at helping us live out this Sunday's Gospel.

"You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself… do this and you will live."

The directive is so simple, yet I have so far to go.

I've recently entered another season where the Lord is seeing fit to humble me. Right after we bought our townhome, our second car's repairs became more than it was worth. We are now a one car family. On top of that, I was recently carrying (what I thought was) a light box. It was too much for my back and the spinal stenosis pain came back full-force.

I am ashamed to say I fall into despair so easily. I let worry cloud my days so quickly. Now compare my "troubles" and my reaction to these examples:

I know a man who recently lost his home, yet he continues to ask me what he can pray for! And I know a woman who has been told she has a limited time to live, yet she asked me how my family is doing. Seriously.

These two individuals show me what it means to step out of my own personal pity party and love the Lord so fully that it overflows to everyone I meet.

So many Our Lady of Joy parishioners inspire me through your optimism, faith, generosity, selflessness, and warmth.

Many of you show your humility by saying, "God has blessed me more than I deserve." But I believe the Lord blesses everyone in different ways and what sets people who feel blessed apart - is that they recognize it.

This week, let's all try to love God by living in gratitude and trust. Let's all amplify our prayer and multiply our love until it overflows to those God has placed in our lives.

I thank you for your example in loving God with all your heart, being, strength, and mind, and your neighbor as yourself. You show the world how to fully live in this world - because you are living for the next.

Questions? Comments? Email David at dlins@oloj.org.