Receiving infinite Love when fully and sincerely submitting to the Bridegroom, Jesus Christ

Receiving infinite Love when fully and sincerely submitting to the Bridegroom, Jesus Christ.

Eileen Renders

My relationship grew and matured with God as I began spending more time with Him. There came a time in my life, after dealing with many challenges, losses, and difficulties, that I wanted very much to focus on Jesus. I desired to strengthen and deepen my relationship with Him. I appreciated how God brought me through many difficulties, and I wanted to show Him my sincerity. I had once heard it said, “Faith is not passive, it is an action word”, and I believe that is so. 

It all began when I was taught by the nuns in Catholic School, and in preparation to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion. I studied in earnest, memorizing the reasons why God made us. We learned in our Catechism that God made us "To know Him, to love Him, and to serve Him in this world so that one day we would be happy with Him in heaven.'

I have never forgotten that Lesson, and soon realized how life's problems, stresses, and responsibilities distracted me from being with Christ. Therefore, I made the conscious decision to get to know God.

 I volunteered to teach CCD to second-grade students and prepared them for making their sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion. Also, I became an “adorer” when the Monstrance was on the Altar, and I did this for a year or two once a week. Sitting in church praying, meditating, and feeling His presence. At home, I put aside a time nearly every day to be alone in a quiet room and think only of God. Frequenting the sacraments had always been my practice, but I began to say rosaries at home, and I believe my relationship with Jesus was becoming deeper as I often felt Him near, and my sincere love for Him grew.

Soon, I knew I was feeling inspired and being urged to serve God. I meditated several times a week, alone with Christ. As a result of knowing Christ better, frequenting the sacraments, my love for God grew. So much so, I wanted more and more to serve Him. I felt Jesus calling me to follow Him, yet I did not understand where or how. As I moved forward, I wanted to show God my love. The greatest gift God has given us is the lifeblood of His only son, Jesus. After receiving Holy Communion, I go to my pew, kneel, and I bury my face in my hands to avoid any distraction, and to feel and enjoy God’s presence within me.