"The Grace from God is a Reality that he dwells within us"

“The grace from God is a Reality that he dwells within us”

Look upon a sleeping lover (your spouse) and see the closeness of Jesus and Mary.  They both are there since the two of you are in concert through your collective prayer;  “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them.”  (Mt 18: 20).  This is perhaps the greatest solace to find Christ; not just in thought but in reality that he is with us; literally, spiritually and yes physically as well.  (see John 17: 21).

In a world where marriage has become just a written document for many, or a legal obligation,  the need to remind ourselves and others who have a dim outlook on Sacramental Life must take another look at what Christians and all others should adhere to.  When young people see partners living without a solid commitment to family life, what makes them believe that this Savior came supporting the Commandments handed to Moses?   They still are pertinent today as from the days of Deuteronomy.  

Where has the respect for sacramental living gone since very few have an understanding of the Ten Commandments?  Maybe this is why there are so many abortions adding to the neglect of what family life is all about.  It seems to say, “Who cares,” anymore?

How many people have gone the wrong direction when it comes to casting stones upon those who are neglecting the dictates written on the stone tablets that Moses received from his God.  Jesus called the Pharisees hypocrites because they condemned the people they should have nurtured but only placed unbearable requirements with rules they should have also followed.  We find too many dictators following laws that should also include us before taking the blinders away from our eyesight that will condemn our own selfish ideas of judging someone else.  

In spite of man’s callousness toward his Creator, God never seeks revenge against these loose thinking creatures who place themselves as judge and jury to their neighbors.  

Stop judging, that you may not be judged.  For as you judge, so will you be judged, and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you.  Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye?  How can you say to your brother, “Let me remove that splinter from your eye” while the wooden beam is in your eye?  You hypocrite, remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother’s eye.”  (Mt 6: 1 - 5).

As far as seeing in your spouse a love that can not be removed if your heart has his/her best closeness for yourself we must also compare that same Love is what our God has planted within the very entity of the human species that his essence is indeed within each one he created.  

Our world is filled with judges who are self-imposed and do not have the best interests for their brothers or sisters.  Discover the moment that Jesus opened his eyes to the world and saw a need for his saving ministry, we must do the same for each other.  That is Christmas for us.

Ralph B. Hathaway