You know sometimes I get so wrapped up in a thing that I loose focus on what I am trying to do. I remember after graduating high school that being healthy and staying fit was very important. I often heard about the 15 lbs many freshman gain their first year in college so I was bound and determined to not fall prey to that possibility. One of the things that I decided to continue was running. I had a trail nearby and it would let me run all the way across town. Early one morning I laced up and headed out. It was beautiful day and the wind was to my back. I ran and ran and when I finally hit my limit I stopped, and then realized that I had to walk all the way back completely exhausted. Faith in God can kind of end up the same way as well. It is so easy to get wrapped up in how to dress, having a spotless car for the ride, packing toys or books and other distractions to keep the children in check during service that we loose focus on why we attend church in the first place. God wants your company because he loves you. Jesus instituted the Church so that we could have community to support us and each other, so that we could have a place to learn about God, his word and commune with his spirit. As a Catholic I find much solace in the fact that not only do we follow sacred scripture but also follow sacred tradition. Being raised protestant I have often seen and heard of churches being torn apart because a congregation disagrees on doctrine. And where once there stood one church now you have two. This may sound appealing but my concern is that the spirit of God's word is being distorted. God is consistent but it seems so many churches change their doctrine so that the church can "reach" the people rather than having the people learn to live God's way. When I think of that I ponder what it would be like if I let my children start making the rules in my house. Oh I am sure that they would be happy for a short bit, but at what cost? Whenever I have question on how to live anymore I go to mass. I find so much wisdom in all the teachings read from the bible. I find solace in the knowledge and traditions that result from apostolic succession. I encourage all to spend some time with God's word and to pray. God is here for us everyday and is ready to help those lost in the bustle of it all. He is already there he is just waiting for you to show up.
John 15:26--16:4
1526But when the Counselor comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness to me; 27and you also are witnesses, because you have been with me from the beginning.161"I have said all this to you to keep you from falling away. 2They will put you out of the synagogues; indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. 3And they will do this because they have not known the Father, nor me. 4But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you of them. "I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you.
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