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Why do we as creations of God continue to try to place the spotlight on ourselves? Why do we succumb to our basest desires of being praised and recognized? We do love to be noticed and stroked. It is a desire that we must work to control. St. James talks about this desire over and over in his Epistle. He tells us that when our unfulfilled desires lead us to frustration, we usually create problems for others. We want to tear others down so that they feel as bad as we do. It is the devil busy at work. The thoughts we have create a battlefield in our minds. We focus so much on them that we let our relationship with the Father diminish. God is waiting for us to turn to Him in our every need. He loves us and wants to comfort us. St. James tells us that the desires create an emptiness that can only be filled by God. So often we think the food, created things, whatever will satisfy us but they do not. The everlasting fulfillment provided by God is so good. As Jesus tells us, the water He provides will cause us never to be thirty again. The imagery is so compelling. It is comforting. You would think it would send us running to Jesus. Many of us have and continue to come to the Lord. It is part of our priestly ministry to bring everyone to God's saving grace. Have you done your part this week?

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