Just before the pandemic lockdown, Deacon Frank saw his doctor. The doctor told him his A1C was very high. In other words, he was on his way to diabetes if he didn't make some significant changes in his body weight, exercise and diet.
Deacon Frank had two choices: change or continue down the road to worsening health. Now four months later, he doesn't require blood-pressure or diabetes meds, he's lost thirty pounds, and his A1C numbers are great.
He went on to say that he needed to leave his old way of eating and lack of exercise behind to attain a new lease on life.
I thought of this story as I read today's gospel. In it is a young man—one who follows the commandments and is seeking eternal life but there was something in the way.
Through this time of adversity, I believe that God is giving us a better ability to examine our lives more deeply. And, just as we accumulate items in our closets, garages, and basements that we don't need, we can also develop habits, negative memories, unhealthy goals, and even sin that we need to change or get rid of to follow Jesus.
During this pandemic, God allows us the space to ask and answer some crucial questions.
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What do I need to give up or change to follow Jesus more faithfully?
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Do I see following Christ and living like Christ as the focus of my daily life?
- Do I believe that Jesus' invitation, "Come follow me," is a personal invitation?
Today, Jesus is telling us to take a look at our lives and to free ourselves from whatever gets in the way of finding real joy in this life and the next.
The next move is ours. Are we willing to take an honest look and make some changes? Sometimes the first step is the hardest, but it's worth it - just ask Deacon Frank or anyone who's made a change for the good.
May God bless you and your family on this holy day!
- To view Rosary prayer and Mass streaming live, please visit our Facebook page at 11:30 am EDT, Monday – Friday. Please invite your loved ones to join us too! (You don't need a Facebook account to view.)
