"Why Are You Here?"

05/21/2019 • View profile

Photo By: Flickr/Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston

Kneeling before Mass begins, entering into prayer and saying hello to God---at one point the words come to my inner spirit. "Why are you here?"
"To celebrate Mass."
"Why are you here?"
To join in prayer with others for all the needs of loved ones and the world.
"Why are you here?"
My replies came two or three times more UNTIL, I answered "to be in Your Presence Lord. To be aware of Your Presence, Lord, just as when I attend a Mass where the music is so beautiful and lifts me high. Or, like when I was here at the Prayer Meeting on Friday and the Power of the Holy Spirit was so strong ---again because of the music opening the gates of Heaven, and we could dance before the Lord as David did. I not only want to be in Your Presence, Lord, but to be very AWARE of your Presence."
   It was then that my eyes were opened to my attitude and stinking thinking many times when I come to the local parish. Just as a prophet is not recognized in His own town---So it is that we do not recognize God in our local church--for too many times, we see and judge or hear and judge---and fail to see Jesus in the folks that we know for we KNOW THEM. Does this make sense? Oh yes it should for just as we have problems with recognizing Jesus in our co-workers, or spouses for we KNOW their behavior too well and we also know how we react to that behavior. I don't know about you but I DO NOT LIKE THE WAY I REACT SOMETIMES to another's negative behavior.
   So, insight and wisdom given, lesson learned and forgiveness sought with those four words spoken. "Why are you here?"
   Now your turn---why are you here and why are you not being totally aware of the PRESENCE of God at your local church or work, school or at home or anywhere!
   First we enter into His gates with PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING in out HEARTS.   Second we are filled with HIS Presence when we empty ourselves of our SELF and surrender to His Word--- "I AM HERE" and believe this truth.
   "Yes, Lord and I am here to be in Your Presence--please open my eyes to see, my heart to love, and my spirit to Your Spirit that I may do both."

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About the Author

Elizabeth Thomas

Born the youngest of nine children, raised VERY Catholic across the street from Immaculate Heart of Mary church and school—Mom and Dad led by example and word their FAITH in God and saw to it that I was given 12 years of Catholic Education. (Mount St. Mary’s Academy/1965)

But, most importantly, because of my parents’ spiritual renewal after attending Cursillo Weekends, I too went on a retreat at our beloved Subiaco Abbey in Arkansas and there, at age 20, gave my life totally, surrendering all to my Lord and best Friend. This was my “Pentecostal” event that left me, like all the early Christians, on fire with God’s love and forever changed.

My husband Robert and I have been married for 54 this year in a marriage arranged by God. We have 8 children, two in heaven, 24 grandchildren, and 28 great-grandchildren. The story of our life together can be found in a book titled “My Journey, My Cross-As the Journals End,” published by Westbow Press . Our life together has been one awesome up and down roller coaster ride which enriched my heart with so many of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. I have found that the only way, Wisdom, Understanding, Words of Knowledge, Discernment, and Healing can be received is first by experiencing in your life the hurts of others. (and you yourself a sword will pierce)^* so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Luke 2 v 35.

God has blessed me also many other talents and skills--but sometimes, blessings/gifts can and have caused problems or conflict in my life, as I am human and all too quickly that part of me shows up. Thank You God that You also show up!

Because of the many ways that He has rescued me, and taught me through my trials and tribulations and continuous cries for “Help”--- a weekly podcast radio show called “It’s Me, God” can still be found on www.radiotitans.com

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