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Monday, December 7, 2009

Giving my Life to God

I have been wanting to share something that has been on my heart and mind, but I have been struggling to find the words to express it. Here goes nothing:

St. Lorenzo Ruiz is quoted as saying "If I had one thousand lives, I would give them all to God." He said this to his executioner right before he was hung by his feet for two days until he died a martyr's death in the year 1637.

I read recently in Hallowed Be this House by Thomas Howard that "going to sleep is a small metaphor for death." I had never thought of it that way. This led me to meditate on how waking up in the morning is a "small metaphor" for being born. Which then led me to consider how each day can be regarded as a metaphor for one life.

Sometimes in my day-in and day-out routines, I get caught up in mediocrity. The days roll by and I seem to live as though each day does not matter. But now I feel challenged to treat each day as though I am living my life out in one day. From the time I wake up (birth) to the moment my head hits the pillow (death), I want to live for God. I want to give all my days to God in this way; which leads me to view the quote from St. Lorenzo Ruiz in a different light. When I first heard that quote, I thought "I hope I would have the courage to say that (and mean it) if I was about to be martyred." In reality, I know the answer, which lies in this question: How could I possibly have the strength to say that with sincerity if I don't even live every day of the one life that I do have for God? Don't get me wrong, I live some days for God, but not most.

Lord, please help me value each day that you give to me and live my life dedicated to you.

2 comments:

  1. I have just three comments to your piece, above, Lindsay:

    1. http://www.justforcatholics.org

    2. http://www.pro-gospel.org

    3. I am a "Fully Recovered Catholic"

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  2. Exsullent,

    Thank you for your comments, though I don't see how they relate to my piece at all. I am sorry that you feel you need to recover from Catholicism. Perhaps you were in a parish or family that did not pass on the fullness of our beautiful Church. For me, I am in love with Christ and His Church and I would never consider abandoning him like so many have done. His teachings may be hard, but true happiness only comes from giving yourself entirely over to Him. Peace to you!

    In Christ,
    Lindsey

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