Sunday, February 25, 2007

 
After reading today's scriptures, two homilies, and listening to a third, I have done some reflection. I have to acknowledge that the temptation which looms over my being is the temptation of "comfort".

When I use the term "comfort", I am not referring to luxury. I am not referring to opulence. I am referring to the everyday life we live, whether it be in shack or chalet, whether our mode of transportation is foot or car, whether our heat is provide by a fire place or an oil furnace.

Like the Jews, who went into the desert, and wanted to return for it was better to be a fed slave then a hungry free man, we find ourselves choosing the comfort of the known.

I go to work 5 days a week, sometimes 6 days, occasionally 7. I am not lazy. However, on a Sunday morning, when it is freezing cold outside and the wind is howling, the comfort that tempts me, is the comfort of my warm bed. I can rationalize "God will understand", and I can reiterate all the reasons why I should not attempt travel. Fortunately, God knows me pretty well, and He has made sure I have a Sunday School class I have to teach, for He knows I will not let them down.

I think sometimes we get a glimpse into the window of eternity. Today at mass, after receiving the Eucharist, I got that glimpse. After a fast, having the Eucharist as your first nourishment, awakens your soul to the love of God in you. You realize that we have to lose the comfort to feel the love. Even as plant's leaves reach for the sunshine, our souls have to reach for the love God.
Yes, the Sun is always there. Yes, God is always there. Our part, our interaction with Him to receive that love, is where heaven lies.

For me......the greatest temptation is comfort. My prayer is that God give me the strength to leave the comfort behind.

Labels: Temptation

posted by Maggie 2/25/2007 12:34:00 PM