“The miracle is not that we do this work, but that we are happy to do it.” St. Mother Theresa

It doesn’t seem that this should be too difficult in our lives, that is, remembering the presence of God, and yet in many discussions with good and faithful Catholics, listen in confession and watching and observing the world (and a little looking in the mirror) we often forget that we are in God’s continual and loving presence being showed with love and devotion.
In Archbishops M. de Langalerie’s book “The Month of St. Joseph” he writes to us to remember how St. Joseph is a model for this necessary action in our lives as children of the one true God.

“We Christians have reason to rejoice in the privilege of being able to study the life of Christ in the Gospel, and in receiving Him in the Holy Eucharist. We may, at every instant, find consolation in this sweet and divine presence.” (p 37) While St. Joseph lived the Gospel (good news) daily in his love and interaction with Jesus and Mary, he also studied the Gospel, chose to live the Gospel in service and protection and like Mary pondered what this all might mean. This life of service, literally carrying the Gospel in the Word of God Jesus Christ, watching over and being blessed by this mysteries is a privileged place but we must also remember, in the Eucharist, in our sacramental life, we too are asked to carry Jesus forth and to care for and protect him but our living example to those around us.
“The mind and heart of St. Joseph, initiated as he was into the mysteries of the Incarnation and Redemption, must have been continually occupied with thoughts of God—His providence, His love for Man, His omnipresence, and his other infinite attributes, all of which were revealed to St. Joseph.” (p 36) You can imagine, even with the trials and tribulations, the travels and exile, St. Joseph and the Virgin Mary experienced during the first days of their marriage, the mystery of the Incarnation continued to illuminate the hope they lived in loving each other and the Son of God with their whole heart and all their actions. They lived what was proclaimed in the Gospel of St. John, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (Jn 3:16) If we truly believe this is true then the practice of the mediative and contemplative knowledge of God’s presence becomes practical and life giving in our relationships together placing God at the center.
How can we do this practically in our own lives. Christina and Javier Llerena, who do ministry in marriage and marriage preparation share this advice, “Let your love come through your actions. Being life-giving is going the extra mile when you might have to move your needs aside temporarily. However, these acts of service in relationships build trust and intimacy. Think of them as wise investments—they give more than they take in the long run.” (p 139 from “Boundless Love: Healing Your Marriage Before it Begins”)

Being attentive to our relationships on earth are fruitful when we know the presence of God is constant and grace-giving to our love. The knowledge of God’s presence should and must stir us to an active life of sacrificial love in service of those who are both near and far. In contemplating the heavenly we see the generosity of God’s love in the world surrounding us, even when it is filled with the pain of sin. The extra-mile is the way of the cross in unity with Jesus as was St. Joseph bound to Jesus as foster father and spouse to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
“This attention to the presence of God is the ladder of perfection in every state and condition of life…it suffices to consider that St. Joseph was more impressed with heavenly thoughts than the angels could have been; that he was favored with intimate communications from God more frequently than they were; and that his whole life was animated by faith. (p 35-36)
How attentive are we to the presence of God at home, at work, at play and in the quiet moments of solitude? It is easy to look out on a beautiful vista and feel the awe of God’s creation…but how do we see this same awe in a room full of arguing children? In an office with grumpy or difficult co-workers? Or, after an argument with our spouse? It is in these moments when the conversation with Jesus, the little hug from Jesus, the simply seeing Jesus is offered toward the other in the “going the extra mile” of our lives filled with the joy of the presence of the Gospel, the presence of Jesus Christ.

God Bless
Fr. Mark

“If we wish to serve God and love our neighbor well, we must manifest our joy in the service we render to Him and them. Let us open wide our hearts. It is joy which invites us. Press forward and fear nothing.” St. Katharine Drexel