Yesterday's reading from St. Paul to the Romans was extremely powerful. It caused me to stop and read it again during Mass. I then had to read it twice more once I got home. I returned to it this morning. Romans 8:18-21 says, "Brothers and sisters: I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us. For creation awaits with eager expectation the revelation of the children of God; for creation was made subject to futility, not of its own accord but because of the one who subjected it, in hope that creation itself would be set free from slavery to corruption and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God." How timely is this passage for us today? There are so many earthly sufferings in our present time. I am not sure if there are more than in St. Paul's time but I am sure that some of them are the same. It is reassuring to know that Christians were experiencing trials during the early years of the Church just as we are today. We know that living the life of a Christian does not solve all of our problems. In fact, it creates new ones. As Christians we must get up every day and do things to honor God. As Christians we are persecuted for our beliefs. As Christians we are forced to spend tax dollars on abortion, homosexuality, and other abominations that God considers sinful. So how do we become free to worship God? How do we develop our relationship with God? We know that God exists because we can reason our creation was accomplished by a higher power. We know that we were created by a loving God who wants to have a relationship with us. We know that we were created to love God. In return, he loves us without condition. He is always ready to help and console us. He will never let us down. He always has our best interests at heart. Can you say that about anyone else in this world? The futility of the world is laid bare every day. Look at our brothers and sisters who are driven by greed, lust or power. Look at those who can never be satisfied no matter how many things they buy. Futility leads to unhappiness. But there is an alternative and it is offered freely and without burden. Jesus paid the price for us. We only need to say yes to God. Then the glorious freedom is bestowed upon us. How satisfying is that? It is like a drink of water after a walk through Death Valley. Let the Lord refresh you. Let him lead you out of futility today. Say yes!
Kurt Hilgefort, is a Catholic father of six who publishes his thoughts on his blog Shadows of Augustine . He responded to my seven question survey with the following answers. Kurt is the first layperson to respond to the seven question survey and I think that his experience is extremely relevant to me personally and I hope that you are inspired by his thoughts as well. If you would like to respond, please send an email to fellmananthony@gmail.com with your thoughts and I will be happy to publish them as well. 1. What is the biggest challenge to your faith that you have faced so far? The biggest challenge for me has been the whole dying to self thing. On an intellectual level, there are no barriers. It comes down to a matter of accepting the authority of the Church that Christ founded upon Peter. My challenge is not in the intellect, but rather in the will. The challenge for me has always been to continually seek conversion. I want to be transformed, but I want it to be over all ...
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