May 10 Saturday
Does Jesus want me to go back to Him?
Glory belongs to God alone because He is the Lord of all things. And on being made man and coming to live among us, He has shown us that we are not on this earth to seek a passing, temporal happiness. We are here to reach eternal happiness, following in his footsteps. And we will only attain this by learning from him.
The world was created for the glory of God. He is the highest good and supreme goodness, and He knows that we can only be happy if we live for him. And the only purpose of created beings, man included, is to give glory to God. We were born to give him glory. “If life did not have as its aim to give glory to God, it would be detestable - even more, loathsome.” St Josemaría.
Thus, our life should be one of continuous praise to God, and redirect ourselves to Him. Because whatever is lovable in us belongs to God. Convinced of this reality, we must not work for our own glory, but to disappear from view; and with our sacrifice, we shall put Christ at the summit of all human activities.
Thus, we shall be, each, an icon of Jesus, the Good Shepherd.
It wasn't enough for Jesus merely to show us the way to the richest pastures; nor was He content simply to come into the world in search of the lost sheep. He was not satisfied with dying and rising from the dead for his flock; nor did he stop at giving himself to us - Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity - in the Sacrament of the altar. Knowing our failings and weaknesses, He saw to it that as often as we went astray, we could return to him, cleansed and renewed by the Sacrament of Penance.
“My children, the sacrament of Penance not only serves to forgive sins, be they big or small; it also strengthens our soul for the struggle, renews our sorrow for not having been true to our word, as good children feel sorry at having offended their father.”
“Confession is so helpful! Never neglect it. Foster the devotion of making a good Confession, although there may be nothing grave to accuse yourselves of. Make a good examination of conscience, and you will see things. Above all, you will renew your sorrow for your past sins, and you will receive more grace for the struggle. You will be given some spiritual advice that will set your heart on fire, making you capable of everything good, everything great, whatever requires sacrifice.”
Let us allow ourselves to be guided by the Good Shepherd, to be faithful to our mission. Let us renew every day our "yes" to Christ, and be a worthy sign of his love for every person around us.
Let us tell Him: "Lord, for myself I want nothing. All for your glory and for Love."
Lord, raise up generous souls, ready to be icons of the Good Shepherd, and place themselves totally at the service of the Kingdom of God.
Our Lady lived a hidden existence, and yet her whole life was a constant act of praise, a "yes" to God. _Magnificat anima mea Dominum_, my soul glorifies the Lord. Let us ask her to help us rectify our intention, and go along the right track, many times during the day; and imitating her, let us repeat: _Deo omnis Gloria!_ - all the glory for God.