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I read a true story about a priest that really got me thinking about how God loves us. This dearly beloved priest was dying of cancer and the end was near. His brother priest wanted to go see him before he died. He made the two-hour journey by car to the hospital hoping and praying that his friend had not passed away before he could say his final goodbyes.
When his friend entered the dying priest’s room, his heart sank because there was an empty bed. He thought he didn’t make it in time. Then out of the corner of his eye, he spotted his brother priest sitting and staring out the window. His friend asked him what he was doing staring out the window? The dying priest said, “I am allowing God to love me.” He didn’t need to speak or say anything in the moment, only to be still and allow God to love him right where he was at. The dying priest was filled with God’s peace and love.
It seems like in my life, I get busy doing lots of things which I think are necessary. And some of these things are necessary to complete in order to function in this world— go to Mass, pray the rosary, read scripture, clean house, grocery shopping, cook, dishes, make out budgets, walk my dog and the lists go on and on. But how much time do I spend just sitting in the quiet and allowing God to just love me? How much time do I spend fretting and worrying about many things, instead of just surrendering my concerns to God so He can fill me with His love?
One of the ways that has helped me to enter into the silence, is participating in Adoration. As I enter into this Holy Place of silence, I take a deep breath and just try and empty my mind and enter into the Presence of My Lord and My Savior Jesus Christ. Sometimes it takes a while to unclutter my racing thoughts. But when I do, I am at peace and just like the dying priest I allow God to love me.
“Be Still and Know that I am God.”-Psalm 46:10. I need to write these words on my heart and quiet my thoughts and breath in the peace of Jesus. It takes an hour by hour, day by day decision to let go of my anxious and worried thoughts. As I surrender, Jesus is ready to fill me with His love. With each act of surrender I am allowing Jesus to love me in the moment.
Reflection: Jesus, I desire to come to you in the quiet just for today. I beg You to help me surrender everything to You, so that You can love me right where I am at. Come Lord Jesus come and quiet my heart.
Connie Beckman resides in Helena Montana with her husband and their dog Chewie and their two cats Heidi and Bailey. A number of years ago, she was the editor and feature story writer for a small bi-weekly newspaper. Connie has been published in a number of Catholic magazines. Margaret Ann Stimatz, Ruth Lloyd, and Connie co-authored a 40-day-reflection booklet entitled: Mercy for Little Souls which contains tidbits about the late Father Stu Long's powerful ministry with quotes from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska: Divine Mercy In My Soul. Mercy for Little Souls is available at Beyond.227.org. Her desire as a writer is to encourage Catholic spiritual growth by sharing the truths of the faith through the written word addressing a variety of subjects. "Go out to all the world and tell the good news." Mark 16:15.
