What's the point?!?!

There is a fine line between religious devotion of heart and religious devotion of obligation. Have you ever met someone who seems to be “clocking in” on Sunday, but acts unchanged by the Gospel for the rest of the week? There is some good in merely showing up. Being present at Mass shows that this person believes attending Mass is right and will do the right thing even when they may not feel like it. It shows the power of creating holy habits. Morning prayer, Mass attendance, Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy - these are all good steps toward God. 

Yet, if you find yourself in a sort of spiritual dryness, you may wonder “what’s the point in the Sacraments?” In those moments, I encourage you to look at the ways God has pursued you, even when you did not deserve His goodness.

Theologians often say that God, the Holy Trinity, gave Israel the Law. When they could not obey it, God sent his only Son, Jesus Christ, to pay the debt owed to God for our sins. This is true. However, I want to encourage you to look at the ways God sent His Son in order to pursue mankind with His love and kindness. John 1:14 says, “The Word became Flesh and dwelt among us.”  It seems to me that God recognized not only our inability to pay our debt to Him, but that a lonely existence of only ritual was not good enough for His children. He wanted us to experience the deep and profound love that He had for us and gave fully and freely of Himself to save His people. He is both Judge and loving, tender Father. 

I challenge you to think about God as family and ask yourself if merely living together in the same house is enough. Do you want to share meals? Do you want to enjoy movies and games together as a family? God wants these small intimacies with you. He wants to be with you wherever you are. Living in the same house is good, but our Lord does not want a life for you that is only obligation. He wants transformative love and Divine Mercy for you!

Continue the good habits you have developed. But this year make a goal to cry out “Abba, Father!” in times of distress. Make a commitment to share the gifts of God by volunteering. Invite parishioners you are acquainted with, but not quite friends with, over for dinner to grow the relationship. Commit to Adoration or praying the Divine Mercy chaplet with a group. Volunteer in the Prayer Blanket Ministry or youth group. Sign up to help Women of Mercy or the Upper Room Ministry.

Whatever you choose, dive in with your whole heart and trust that the Lord will transform you through your “yes!” to Him. 

Oh, how He loves us.