Jesus Is The Way… Every Day!

“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment" (Matt. 22:37-38).

The Holy Spirit inspired the words of the bible, and chosen people of God have passed it down for our benefit. There are many powerful “one-liners” in Sacred Scripture.  These short verses can set our minds into deep thought, or immediately resonate with our heart and soul. “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace” (Mark 5:34).  The faith that Jesus is referring to is trust and confidence in Him!  What does “being saved” mean to you? 

Jesus is the way, and Christians unanimously agree with this message.  The Catechism of the Catholic Church further explains that the Church instituted by Christ offers beautiful sacraments through which our salvation is achieved.  “This means that all salvation comes from Christ the Head through the Church which is his Body" (CCC 846).  “Those who, through no fault of their own, do not know the Gospel of Christ or his Church, but who nevertheless seek God with a sincere heart, and, moved by grace, try in their actions to do his will as they know it through the dictates of their conscience—those too may achieve eternal salvation” (CCC 847).

This Lenten Season Jesus is inviting you to be spared the pain of sin! To be saved! These Scripture passages confirm that through the sacraments, God’s love and mercy are available to us.  

• He who believes and is baptized will be saved (Mk 16:16).
• Unless you repent you will all likewise perish (Lk 13:3).
• He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day (Jn 6:54).

This story about my 5-month-old grandson, Andrew, reminds me of the love Jesus so freely gives – and desires to receive in return.  Our son-in-law, and 3- and 2-year-old grandsons, had planned a “boys’ day out” with Grandpa; I encouraged our daughter to join her sister for an afternoon visit and early dinner.  I offered to stay home and have a “play date” with baby Andrew.  Everyone was excited about the plans as Andrew and I waved goodbye and proceeded to enjoy our time together. 

An hour later, Andrew realized that his brothers, and Mommy and Daddy, were not in the house.  Quivering lip and crocodile tears could not be consoled ... even in the loving arms of Grandma.  When Mommy returned, his face lit up like the sun, and his cheeks stretched into a smile.   My daughter couldn’t believe he would miss her presence that deeply, especially since Grandma is certainly no stranger.  I believe Andrew also missed the noise his little brothers create during the day.  As I watched Andrew, content and happy with Mommy in his house again, it made me think of how Jesus must feel when we enter His house after an absence.    

We should not take for granted the comforts God provides for us with the gift of His Church.  How sad He must be when we are not there making noise and seeking His attention.  The love of God, so freely given, is exactly like a Mother’s love for her children.  Nurture your mind, body and soul with the gift of the sacraments given to help us grow spiritually.  Your face will shine like the sun for all to see, and you smile will stretch for miles.  Remember the best one liner in the bible:  “Love never fails”  1 Corinthians 13:8.   Amen!