In the readings for this weekend and the Gospel, our Lord, Jesus Christ tells us a parable and describes the true necessities of living the life he has given to us. “For what profit comes to man from all the toil and anxiety of heart...even at night his mind is not at rest.” The tangible treasures of the world we can turn into idols if we are not careful. We should be rich in what truly matters.
Answer these questions internally or in a journal, text the answers to yourself, or even the closest napkin. Use whatever is available to you. We encourage you to be honest with yourself.
In the past two weeks, between the demands of work, desires for time with family, or the constraints of life, has there been an opportunity to just be? A moment where the daily demands have calmed and you find yourself available for just you, even for a few minutes. Describe the moment that led up to that.
In that moment that was available to you, did you pick up your phone and scroll through social media? Did you listen to music? Did you watch any TV? Describe this moment. Why were you drawn to it for a specific reason?
Now that moment has passed, was that time used well? Was there any regret of time wasted? Did it leave you still searching? What if that was the moment God, Our Lord Jesus Christ was reaching out to you. Describe as best you can to illuminate in writing if you heard his call, or was it faint, or not there at all.
In all honesty, how many moments do you have similar to these? Can they be scheduled or are they moments that are randomly available? Take advantage of these opportunities and use them for prayer. Answer the call to a relationship with Jesus. If it was faint or no call at all, be patient and keep those opportunities open to listen for the Lord’s call. Do you have a place that allows you an opportunity to be in prayer? Describe what this place is or what you would like it to be?
The place you just described, is it at home, a church, or a chapel? Is this a place you can spend these moments between the pulls and demands of life for prayer? We encourage you to start somewhere. If a chapel is available to you, great. Whatever is available to have an opportunity for prayer, make those moments repetitive and fruitful. In this last piece of this guided journal reflection, describe your commitment and desire to attempt these opportunities to become a pattern in your life.
May God be with you as you discern these opportunities to grow in your prayer life and to always listen for God’s voice in every moment.