It's important to have a life-line!  There is a story about a boy scout who fell over a cliff.  He cried for help for quite some time, but nobody answered.  He was a long way from the ground and was afraid he'd be killed. He cried out again and an answer came, "Hi, this is God.  Let go and I'll catch you!"  The boy scout cried out one more time, "Is there anybody else down there?!"

How difficult it is for us to let go.  We need to do so in many ways.  It is so difficult when we lose the ones we love.  We know the time will come for us to let go, but even if our loved ones die in their 90's, we're still not ready.  None of us enjoy losing health, job or reputation.  We find it difficult when relationships fail.  We don't enjoy coming to the point where we have to weep, that's for sure.

In this weekend's Gospel we hear that those who experience these things can rejoice.  Sounds strange, doesn't it?  I have often visited Mexico.  During my time there I have often been touched by the few material things people have.  Yet, they're happy.  They invest in family, friends and faith.   They work hard for very little, but they don't doubt the love of those around them.  It's not easy for them to get along without God, and most don't even try.  Faith is part of everything they do.

This weekend's readings warn us against trusting in the things of the flesh, in the things of the world.  They're all temporary.  Although we can and should enjoy making use of them we need to remember every day that they're not the most important things.  When obtaining them keeps us from cultivating the things that last, that's time to sit up and take notice.

It's not a good thing when work prevents us from going to Mass, when other things keep us from needed time with our family members and friends.  In the long run it would be better for us to move into a smaller house, sell things that we're still paying for and cultivate the love and faith that we can rely upon to bring us through anything.

This week we can consider the way we spend our time, treasure and energy. We might be surprised at how few of the things we work for will last.  We can reassess these things and make some adjustments.  Even if we end up with fewer things "of the flesh," we're sure to be more fulfilled as we enjoy the things "of the spirit," the things that truly last.  Have a good week!

Ireland 2010

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