Come Away By Yourselves

The ascetical struggle--a true fighting spirit--is a key element of following Christ.  While the Christian's battlefield is mainly an internal one, the goodness of the world itself depends on our willingness to fight against sin and the suggestions of the devil.  To refuse to fight is worse than being defeated, it is to desert ranks and make things worse.  

In the Gospel of John, Jesus promises us "the fullness of joy" if we keep his commandments.   Reflecting on his relationship to God the Father, we can ascertain several aspects of Christ's own joy, a joy which he shares with us.  This helps us to avoid recourse to false joys and teaches us some key ingredients to true happiness.  

Zacchaeus's encounter with Jesus is a great model for our own relationship with Our Lord in prayer.  By overcoming obstacles to meet Jesus, Zacchaeus is rewarded with the joy of Jesus's presence in his life and the experience of a radical conversion.  We too need to identify and confront obstacles to our prayer life, placing ourselves clearly in our Lord's presence.  The payoff is well worth the effort.  

It's hard to believe this is our 30th episode.  Please help us reach more listeners--and let us know what you think--by rating and reviewing "Come Away by Yourselves" on Apple Podcasts or wherever you can leave feedback.  Thanks and God bless!

(https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/come-away-by-yourselves/id1503216953)

Having the true God as our personal God is a great accomplishment and privilege.  The worship of false gods can take various forms.  In order to be truly human and  to love God as he deserves, we need to identify and cast out our idols.  

Jesus's encounter with the Samaritan woman poses the question of our appreciation of God.  By prayer, silence, study, and conversion we can come to a greater sense of awe and wonder at God's grandeur and presence in our life.  

Although difficult, humility is liberating and beautiful.  Since the truth sets us free, humility is a condition for having Jesus as our savior.  Acceptance of our neediness and limitations is a sure path to trust and love.  

Originally published 8/15/2020.

The Assumption of Our Lady is one of God's wonderful works.  It provides an opportunity for us to increase our faith in God and to contemplate our Lady's presence with her Son in heaven.  

Our Faith teaches us that the Holy Mass makes present the sacrifice of Our Lord on the cross.  Keeping this in mind during the Mass and during the day is an effective means of union with Jesus.  

The radical reality and transcendence of God is often forgotten or overlooked.  Remembering and reflecting on the greatness of God is key to understanding our own identity as his children and disciples.  

The Word of God is a powerful reality.   Nourishing ourselves with it through reading, reflection, and prayer is a sure-fire way to change our lives.