What the World Has Forgotten

We spend plenty of money on textbooks, activities, courses and other things that we believe would make us "successful", all for temporary gratification. We go out of our way to spend on mere keys that might open doors, yet when it comes to serving God, the slightest thing makes people moan. Even our time is so precious that we can spend it on everything, but God. But who are we kidding? Are you really choosing temporary, POSSIBLE gratification over ETERNAL LIFE? Seriously?!

Here are some of the comments we're all familiar with:

"Oh, Sunday School is open tomorrow. That's another hour wasted".

"I'm busy and I want to see my friends. I don't get to see them that often, so I'll skip Mass this time round".

"I'll go to the other parish this weekend because the priest there finishes Mass faster".

"I have so much work to do, I don't have time to pray or to do anything in the church for free. I need to earn money for everything I do".

So, what God are we really serving? The one who loves us and wants to bless us with His presence for all eternity, who will walk with us, if only we ask? Or are we just serving our selfish desires like greed and want for money? What do you really desire?

It seems that a book for catechism class is deemed a burden, unnecessary in the eyes of some, because education (academically) or extra-curricular activities take priority. However, the world has so many issues today. Why? Because we fail to educate our young people in such a way they develop their full potential in all areas of life, including their spiritual lives. When parents and family members fail to set a good example to their children, it is no wonder that they stray from the faith and disappear after confirmation, or worse still, after first communion! It is sad to see this happening in more and more places.

So, what can we do to try and turn things around?

1. Start by cultivating a culture of prayer within the family. If you feel you don't know how to pray, there are plenty of resources online that you can turn to – EWTN and Catholic Online, or even speak to the priest in your nearest Catholic church.
2. Talk about God with your friends and family. This might seem hard at first, but I'm not asking you to shove down people's throats that God loves them and if they don't convert they'll burn in hell! No, I'm asking you to show them by your life that God loves them, and to comfort them with this fact as they go through the struggles of life. I'm asking you to be there for them, as a physical and living example of God's love, to show them and lead them to the Truth.
3. Encourage especially young people, but generally everyone as well, to get involved with church ministries. The more involved you are, the less likely you'll leave. It also provides a support network and Catholic friends to discuss with and share your lives with, which is healthy for growing in the spiritual life.

These are just a few things you could do to change your perception and attitude, but remember, always pray and ask for God's guidance on how best to approach your situation, and if necessary, ask your local parish priest for help. Focus on what can give you eternal life - the living water, instead of on the worldly things society tells us to indulge in.

God bless you all and know you have my prayers. Let's help people know there's something so much more to life than the next meal. Tell them that there is a God who loves them and will be with them all the days of their life. Go out to the whole world and spread the Good News.