I’m not sure how much you know about the Catholic Church. I am, in fact, what is called a “cradle Catholic.” In other words, I was born into my Catholicism and have not strayed from it. I love going to Mass. It is the most calming and beautiful time of my week.
I got to thinking, last Sunday, about the motions of the Mass. There is a point before the Gospel where, we Catholics, take our right-hand thumbs and make the sign of the Cross three times. While doing this we say “May God be on my mind” (while we cross our foreheads,) “May God be on my lips” (while we cross our lips,) “and in my heart” (while we cross over our hearts.)
To non-Catholics, who can’t even hear the words we murmer, this may seem like a strange custom. Once they are told what we are praying, though, the meaning comes through. Last Sunday, however, the motions and prayers gave me pause. What if we really let God be on our minds, on our lips, and in our hearts? Would we change anything about how we live and love?
If God is always on one’s mind, would we be likely to cut someone off in traffic, or cheat in business? Would we not act in a more holy manner? What if we all did this? What if, instead of spreading corona virus, we spread God’s love and joy? How would your day change?
If God is always on one’s lips, would we be likely to use sharp words at our children, or swear at a store clerk? Would we not check our words and tone first to make sure that the voice coming from our mouth is Christ-like? Would we not spread the Good News?
If God is always on one’s mind, would we plot revenge, or think about what nasty thing we should have said to a rude co-worker? Would we not forgive and think about what a rough day that person must have been experiencing in order for him or her to act in that manner? Would we not act more like Christ?
Yes, we are all different. We are not all Catholic, or Protestant, or Jewish, or anything, but we are all God’s children, no matter what we call Him. He loves us all so very, very much. We do not have to prove we are worthy of Him. We are not, but He loves us still the same. He is the ever-loving Father. Just as your parent loves you, how very much more does our Father in Heaven.
So, think about what it means to be a Child of God. Then go out and spread his love and joy!
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