Vessels of Grace

God is served, only when He is served as He wishes to be served. We must not live in sin and think that we serve God well in our works, and that this is enough for Him. Our prayers and good works have greater efficiency if they are achieved whilst in a state of grace. We are vessels of God’s grace; we receive, freely from Him, the waters of grace and distribute them to those around us through our prayers and acts of charity. However, our vessels must be clean if others are to drink from them. If our lives are pure, then others will see and taste clearly the beautiful grace of God whilst in our presence. If, on the other hand, we are living in a state of serious or habitual sin, how does this reflect upon those around us who come to us to taste of the glorious dew of Heaven?

We are the face of God upon the earth, therefore, let there be no blemish within us, that will hide from others the radiant smile of the Father.

Though He Be But Little

“Though he be but little, he is feared” (William Shakespeare)

We may be very little indeed, but we can still put fear into the Evil One. In fact, the smaller we are the more we shall strike fear into our enemy, because Jesus tells us “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Cor 12:9) St Paul tells us that the “weaker” parts of the Mystical Body are “indispensable,” and that the “inferior parts” are given “greater honour” so that there be “no discord in the body.” (1 Cor 12: 22-26) Finally, St Paul tells us that “God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong, God chose what is low an despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.” (1 Cor 1:26-31)
You see the smaller we are the better, because in our littleness we give glory to God alone and not to ourselves. Also, with our littleness will come humility, and the soul who is humble before God will attract God’s grace more surely than one who is proud. “Though he be but little, he is feared.”

Lord, may Your power be made perfect in our weakness that others may see always Your grace at work within us. Amen.

The Gift Of The Present Moment

The Christian life is one that should be lived in the present moment; we must not hold any unhealthy attachments to our past, nor allow the past to dictate our actions in the future – unless it be for the good. Past sins must not be dwelt upon after they have been forgiven – except that we might remember them for the sake of acquiring greater humility. Past hurts must not be dwelt upon as the Christian soul should forgive and try, though not always possible, to forget. As for the future, this belongs to God alone! We are pilgrims on this earth and we can only travel the road of life one day at a time. We should try to make the most of each day as it comes, keeping in our hearts that the present moment is a gift by the grace of God and treasure it as though it were our last. If we live our lives in this manner then we shall glorify God by always making the best possible use of the gift which He has given to us – the gift of the present moment.