Communion with God should be a natural part of your life, like your very own heartbeat. Being aware of the presence of God is automatic, even if you only consciously advert to God a few times a day. The Lord is present, whether you are praying or not.
Jean-Pierre de Caussade, a Jesuit spiritual writer, says that “sanctity can be reduced to one single practice, fidelity to the duties appointed by God.” This, he continues, “consists in accomplishing the duties which devolve upon us” and accepting with love “all that God sends us at each moment.”
You might think that this refers to duties like performing the corporal of works of mercy, but it also refers to ordinary, everyday tasks like doing the dishes and taking care of your health.
Living in the present moment means not letting the past drag you down or letting any fear of the future cloud you with doubt. It takes willpower, decision-making and the desire to be your best self. This leads to a state of peace.
With patience, you will learn to trust your good intentions. In other words, by living in the present, you can become “fully alive.”
St. Irenaeus said, “The glory of God is man fully alive.” As a saint-in-training, you have what it takes to produce rich and abundant fruit. The Lord himself has told you this. Trust the words of Jesus more than your own fears.
Fifty years ago, I was in the military police at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio. The post chaplain asked me to be his assistant and my high school dreams of becoming a priest begin to stir in me again. The rest is history.
The decisions we make today have consequences tomorrow.
Deciding to be holy doesn’t mean that you have a call to the priesthood or consecrated life, but it does mean that you are willing to follow the Lord’s direction. For this, he will give you supernatural hope, and you will enjoy a meaningful life.
A simple prayer to say daily is: “Grant me O Lord, the joy of loving you and trusting your promises, for you always supply guidance to those who live on the foundation of your love, day by day.”
What you are right now is plain to see, but what you can be in the future, with the help of God’s grace, is hidden from your eyes. Jesus urges, “Do not be afraid” (Mt 28:10).
How are you using the present moment?
Put on the will to choose an upright life each day. Expect a good outcome, so that, as Christ says, “your joy may be complete” (Jn 15:11).
