Redefine Your Passion
If we have food and clothing, we shall be content with that. Those who want to be rich are falling into temptation and into a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all evils, and some people in their desire for it have strayed from the faith and have pierced themselves with many pains. (1 Timothy 6: 8-10)
It’s so easy to get caught up in the everyday aspects of life and forget that we are made NOT for evils and the world but for joy and happiness in God. St. Clare of Assisi said, “we become what we love and who we love shapes what we become. If we love things, we become a thing. If we love nothing, we become nothing.” If you are chronically exhausted, angry, cynical, negative and irritable, frequent headaches or gastrointestinal upsets, sleepless, depressed, suspicious, it’s time for you to redefine your passion. Maybe you have become what you love. What is the object of your love? Is it God or money?
Take time to rest in God today, say repeatedly this act of surrender wherever and whenever you can. “I am all yours, my Lord, my God, and all that I have is yours. Not my will but Yours be done.”
Why, O Lord, is it so hard for me to keep my heart directed toward you? Why do the many little things I wanted to do, and the many people I know, keep crowing into my mind, even during the hours that I am totally free to be with you and you alone? Why does my mind wander off in so many directions, and why does my heart desire the things that lead me astray? Are you not enough for me? Do I keep doubting your love and care, your mercy and grace? Do I keep wondering, in the center of my being, whether you will give me all I need if I just keep my eyes on you?
Please accept my distractions, my fatigue, my irritations, and my faithless wanderings. You know me more deeply and fully that I know myself. You love me with a greater love that I can love myself. you even offer me more that I can desire. Look at me, see me in all my misery and inner confusions, and let me sense your presence in the midst of my turmoil. All I can do is show myself to you. Yet, I am afraid to do so. I am afraid that you will reject me. But I know--with the knowledge of faith-- that you desire to give me you love. The only thing you ask of me is not to hide from you, not to run away in despair, not to act as if you were a relentless despot. Take my tired body, my confused mind, and my restless soul into your arms and let me rest, simple quiet rest. Do I ask too much too soon? I should not worry that. You will let me know, Lord Jesus, come. Amen. (Henri Nouwen)
Peace in Christ,
Father Vincent Vuong Nguyen