As some of you know I have been working in detention/prison ministry with the youth (ages 12-18) for the last year and a half. At first I wanted to do what was right by giving back to God the time that he has given to me through this ministry. However my commitment was half of what was needed; sold my self I lie that I was doing enough and failed to own up to my original commitment. I was privileged to do more work with at the prison (than usual) the week leading to Thanksgiving and got to spend a couple of minutes with each and everyone of the 500+ kids there. I prayed with them and over them; needless to say God was already preparing me for the next move. Last Saturday I was asked by a volunteer to spend more time and to observe more of the needs for evangelization and of the hunger the youth have for the word of God. She asked me, “Why do you not come on Thursday night, if you are available you could help so much.” Before answering her, I paused and reflected and realized that I had no excuse I had to confess her the truth. I shared with her how selfish I was, that there was no excuse, I had forgotten my purpose.
I wanted to share this taking advantage of the commencement of the Advent season; it has allowed me to reflect on my need for constant renewal. How truth are the words on the first reading and the gospel:
“Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way. A voice of one crying out in the desert: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.”
For many of these kids I’m the only messenger! Pray for me brothers and sisters that God may remove some of those weeds and hard roots that do not allow me to make straight his paths.
Hello,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your openness and honesty of your life.
I can so relate to the realization "that of not owning up to my original commitment...that there was no excuse, I had forgotten my purpose."
I have made a commitment to give my life to the Lord, this was a few years ago, and I have not followed through fully. I still stay in my comfort zone. I am still selfish too. It gave me great consolation that God was still preparing, and you saw it, especially in retrospect. I feel that is the way we learn to trust, we learn to leap in our faith.
To be honest with you, what moved me the most is that you really did own up to your commitment. you confessed the truth to yourself. to the lady who approached you, therefore to Christ himself. i truly admire, respect, and desire to be that zealous for that constant renewal we get everyday and in anyway in Christ Jesus. Merry Christmas.
Thanks - It's Christ working in me, if it was up to me, I would not had taken those steps.
ReplyDelete- Merry Christmas