Seeking Stillness

 

I don't remember where or when I took this photo, but I thought it was a wonderful reminder for a notebook cover. It just might have been right before I turned 30 and I was out and about with my sweet sister having an early celebration at a bookstore. Be still- that was my 'theme' for last year and my sister even gifted me with a mug with that same verse- Psalm 46:10. It's a great reminder amidst the busyness, the noise, the increasing distractions. I realized yesterday, life is really simple, we are the ones who make life more complicated than it needs to be. 

Be still- this was used today during the priest's homily, and how we are ever so distracted by today's busy society, and the constant noise and huge distraction of social media. The priest admitted he was guilty of it, and I think everyone in the church would probably say the same. I know I can. 

Even though I'm trying to be better about staying off social media (specifically You tube), it still lurks its way into my life and my precious time. And I don't like it, because I see that it becomes a bad habit. And ultimately, it leaves me with nothing really than to have not spent that time for God and with God. It's ultimately the devil's tactics to lead us further away from God if we don't catch ourselves.

Yesterday, I was able to make it to Confession. And it was a really good confession, at least in some time. It was a new priest I had never encountered before, but his words and commentary were amazing, they really made me think. My eyes and mind were no longer clouded, I could see clearly of all he was saying, and I just started crying and tearing up because it became clear to me and just what sin does to us, others and God. 

I was finally able to be still, to pray and just be, in silence and feel God's presence and the power of mercy. God says that He forgets our sins once we confess and go to confession and receive this sacrament of grace and conversion. It makes me so happy and grateful that we, that I, can start again.

 Jesus has a horrible memory, as the well-known author and Vietnamese Cardinal, Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan states in his book, "On the cross, during his agony, Jesus heard the voice of the thief crucified on his right, 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom' (LK 23:42). If I had been Jesus, I would have told him, 'I certainly will not forget you, but your crimes have to expiated with at least 20 years of purgatory'. Instead, Jesus tells him, "Today you will be with me in paradise" (Lk 23:43). He forgets all the man's sins... Jesus does not have a memory like mine. He not only pardons, and pardons every person, he even forgets that he has pardoned." (Testimony of Hope)