CULTIVATE MINDFULNESS IN YOUR LIFE
It is thankfulness that comes from a greater
awareness of life in and around us; the joys and sorrows that are part of our
daily living.
Today in the Gospel of John we read these words: "Whoever lives the
truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in
God" (Jn. 3:21).
We often read in the Bible about God's people back then - and for us now
- and their need to be reminded of God's love. We are urged to be grateful for
our heavenly Father Who is always with us. To cultivate mindfulness is to
cultivate gratitude in our lives. It is not only gratitude for the good things
or the times when life is easy and comfortable.
Rather, it is thankfulness that comes from a greater awareness of life
in and around us; the joys and sorrows that are part of our daily living.
This Fourth Sunday of Lent is known as Laetare Sunday!
"Laetare"is the Latin word meaning "joy." All the Scripture
readings for this Sunday speak of the importance of choices and their
consequences. God gave the Israelites a chance to heed the messages of the prophets
but they "scoffed" at them, and so Jerusalem went up in flames. As it
frequently does, the Gospel offers a choice between believing in Jesus Christ
and living forever, or by doing what those who "preferred darkness to
light" did by not believing and therefore facing eternal death. In today's
Second Reading from St. Paul's letter to the Ephesians, Paul offers
alternatives when he proclaims, "For by grace you have been saved through
faith, and this is not from you; it is the gift of God" (Eph. 2:8). Today's
Responsorial Psalm confirms this as well: "Let me never forget You, Lord!
For it is Your will to be done in me" (cf. Ps. 137:6ab).
Rebbe Nachman wrote these words, "I believe that I can return, no
matter how far I've strayed. I believe that I have the inner strength to
change. I believe that I can become truly devoted and close to God."
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son" (Jn.
3:16). In our prayers may we see the faith that brings us to eternal life.
During this Lenten journey let us consider a way to cultivate
mindfulness in our lives; preferring the light which will come by making the
right choices!