Something to ponder: When we want to give a gift to a parent, brother or sister, child, grandchild, etc., we give it freely. The gift is accepted. Do we pay close attention to the way the recipient received our gift, which came from our heart? Of course, we are interested in the way in which the one we gifted received our gift. Then, think about it: God gives us so many gifts throughout the day. How inclined are we to accept the gift? How much are we aware that the very breath we take, or our ability to see, to walk, to run or to work and all that we do is truly a gift from God? Do we simply take this all for granted? How do we accept the gifts we have been offered? God prepares so many gifts for us to receive, but numerous times we never show up to receive them. The greatest gift offered to us is receiving Our Lord in Communion.
Take this as an example: “Imagine that going to Mass is like Sunday dinner planned by your favorite grandmother. She set the table with her best dishes, made all your favorite foods, even wrapped presents for you, and waited. And you never showed. God waits for us every week hoping we’ll share the greatest meal ever prepared.” –A Book of Grace-Filled Days
Take time to show up!  Take the time to show up for what really matters. Don’t wait until some illness or other restriction helps us turn to God. Too easily we make everything else in our lives more important than showing up for the meal Our Lord has prepared for us. We take time for innumerable things, but how much time do we give to what is really of consequence? Our spiritual life matters. We want to show up and nourish our soul! Plan on showing up for an extra daily Mass or at least a weekend Mass. Doesn’t Our Lord deserve this from us that we show up for greatest meal that has been offered to us?
 
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​Wowza! The scripture writers do not tread lightly I realized when reflecting on the scripture readings for this weekend. A couple lines highlighted here: “. . .for whom the Lord loves, he disciplines. . .all discipline seems a cause not for joy but for pain, yet later it brings the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by it.” (Hebrews 12)
 Many of us have our routine physical “workouts.” Going to the gym, or for a run or even just a walk We are often aware of the squeaky bones, sore muscles and need for rest after these physical workouts. Keeping our bodies active and in shape includes pain and hard work.
So, it is with our spiritual lives. We need to have “spiritual workouts.” This is not always easy. In fact, sometimes it is downright hard and takes a lot of discipline. In today’s fast paced and “I’m too busy,” world, sitting quietly with all devices turned off and “listening” to the God within is a workout of sorts. Hopefully an “exercise” that brings peace and perspective for our daily lives. The greatest source of prayer is Mass. It can be challenging to return to Mass after the hiatus the pandemic forced us to have. Yet, this is so important individually and as a faith community. Of course, except for the elderly and the ill who cannot physically attend.
As I prepare for another year of faith formation for all ages, I am reminded how challenging it is for us to take time out for God, to be involved and participate in the opportunities within our parish and to not rely on an “I’m too busy” mode of being or an “I don’t need that attitude.”
It is precisely when life gets to be so busy and our calendars fill up, we need to stop, reflect and be still in the presence of God. The physical discipline that is required for good health is essential. The spiritual discipline that is required for our spiritual health is essential. Endurance, not losing heart and not losing courage is asked of us as disciples of Christ.