Arise, and go to Him

It snowed over night. I opened a window to get a little fresh air in the house. I heard the birds singing, the brook rushing through the back yard, small clumps of snow falling off the bushes, and I heard the 7:00 AM bells ring from my little Catholic church. It is so comforting to know that Jesus, present in the tabernacle, body, blood, soul and divinity, is only a little bit down the road. The church bells are sort of like Jesus' giant cell phone, calling me to greet the day. Normally, I would be in church now for morning Mass, but I am not up to par today, so have to stay in. I am there in spirit though.

I don't understand why the churches aren't crowded with people praying throughout the day. Our little church is open from early in the morning, until about 8 PM, for people to come in. Some do come in, but given the large number of Catholics in my area, and the church being open so much, I would think more people would take the time to come and sit in Jesus' presence and to reap the graces and the peace that only He can give them.

The world is so busy and filled with so much that is against God, that I would think that Catholics would want to flock to the church as often as possible, to get their souls renewed so that they can go out and be more effective witnesses to the world. So often spending time with Jesus can just be another thing on a "to do" list. St. Peter said to Jesus, "To Whom else can we go Lord? You have the words of everlasting life.". So, it perplexes me, when the One who can help us with all of our problems, and who can give us the grace to go forward in this difficult world, is so often ignored! Is it because people don't really believe ? Or because along with that belief is responsibility ? The responsibility to live what is believed ?

I can only speak from my experience. Spending time with Jesus in Church, outside of Mass times, in front of the tabernacle or during adoration, can be challenging because Jesus, who loves every fiber of our being, calls us to be more than what the world calls us to be. So these prayer times can be challenging. He challenges our thoughts, our actions, and calls us to be more. But the thing I think sometimes people overlook, is that beyond the challenge, he then gives us the gifts and the graces to make the changes.

Just think...if every Catholic truly tried, with their whole heart and soul, to live their faith every moment of every day, within a few days time, I believe our world would be transformed. What are we afraid of then ? What are we waiting for ?

One reason I sit with Jesus is because I know I am in need of so much healing. I need to be challenged to be a better person. I am lacking in so many areas and if everytime I am with Jesus, He helps me become a little bit of a better person, then that is good - for me, and for the people who have to put up with me ! LOL !

Arise then. Go to your own little Catholic church. Sit with Jesus. Talk. Listen. Just Be. Wait upon the Lord, and He will come to you.