by Br. Paul Culver, O.S.B.

     Think about the beauty of creation and Adam and Eve.  They were living in a beautiful world full of God’s love.  Imagine how beautiful that would have been to live each day in the fullness of God’s love.  All they had to do is obey God’s command not to eat of the fruit from a particular tree.  But they desired something more, instead of the More Than. 

     Obedience and humility are essential virtues that show the love for God.  It doesn’t matter to God how much money you have, the success of your career, how smart you are or how strong you are.  What matters is the love you have for him.  He wants to be a part of every second of your life.  We often take his love for granted by not thinking about him throughout the day, weeks or months.  Many people only think about God at Mass on Sunday.  While it seems difficult to think about God all the time, all it takes is a few seconds of prayer before doing a job, or praying during exercise.  You can even say to yourself when approaching someone “hello Jesus,” for Jesus is present in each one of us.

     Jesus teaches us to be “small.”  Not insignificant, but childlike in our spirituality.  Jesus’ parable of the mustard seed being likened to heaven is a great example of who we need to be.  If we live small like a mustard seed, being humble and meek, then when we enter the Kingdom of God we will become as the largest of plants, receiving a great reward.

     It is this type of spirituality that will help us through our daily trials and tribulations we experience as Christians.  Though many people may see us as weak, we are much stronger because of our love and desire for God.  Take joy in knowing what God has in store for his loving children.

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