God Takes Us by the Hand - Family Reflection Video

As I prayed over today’s readings, two things from last week came to mind. One had to do with clumsiness, and the other, doing for others what God does for us.

The first was while praying Evening Prayer; I forgot to put a marker in my prayer book. And so, I had to flip pages to find my place. I overshot and found myself on Easter Sunday and then worked my way back to the 5^th Week of Lent. It made me think, “how am I going to spend these six days of Holy Week until Easter Sunday?”

Well, fortunately, the Church lays out a good structure. But beyond the Rosary, daily Mass, Confession, Holy Thursday, and Good Friday, in those moments in between, how can I, how can you, make this week one that deepens our relationship with God and each other? One that we can look back on and say, “that week was holy.”

It’s so easy to get sidetracked, even for people who attend daily Mass. So, when in doubt, look to the Saints!

St. Elizabeth of the Trinity wrote:

“It seems to me that nothing can distract one from God when one acts only for God, always in God’s holy presence under the divine glance that penetrates to the depths of the soul.”

Wow, that’s a high bar, but so wise and what we are called to do! To direct our actions only for God, remaining in His presence, remembering that God sees into the depths of our souls.

But, when you think about it, when we seek to please God by loving Him and our neighbor as ourselves, we find a peace … a confidence that allows us to keep our bearings even when all around or even within our lives is chaotic and difficult. (Sometimes, during Holy Week.)

The other moment from last week that stayed with me was when a woman brought her friend to Mass here at the Father Peyton Center. The older woman explained that she was so grateful to her friend for bringing her to Mass. She said it had been a long time since her last Mass in person because of illness and that she had missed it more than she imagined.

In today’s gospel, Mary’s eyes are focused on Jesus. She goes beyond what others might think was necessary. She shows her care for Jesus and is undaunted even when criticized.

We are called to love God with all that we have this week and, in His Name, to look to generously help others like the woman who brought her friend to Mass. But first, we need to see with the eyes of Jesus. I think that’s the hard part when things get busy, or we don’t feel well, or we get frustrated or discouraged.

If you or I get into that situation, we can reflect on the promise of God in the first reading, where He says, “I, the Lord, have called you for the victory of justice, I have grasped you by the hand …”

My brothers and sisters, God does take us by the hand each day; it’s up to us whether we hold His hand every waking hour or if we let go at some points …

No matter what happens, know that He is with us to lead us through this week to Easter Sunday.

I want to end with a final thought from St. Elizabeth, “Even in the midst of the world, it is possible to listen to God in the silence of a heart that wants to be God’s alone,” meaning if our intention is to listen, God will break through whatever noise or other barriers are present, and we will hear Him, and He will lead us to where we need to be.

May God bless you and your families this Holy Week!

•  Today’s readings

• Father David's inspirational homily was recorded live this morning during Mass at the Father Peyton Center. Please view the video on our Facebook page. (You don't need a Facebook account to view.) 

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