Saturday, First Week of Lent

Saints Always Focus On God

In the Eucharistic Prayer we hear that we, along with all of the angels, archangels, and entire communion of saints, are joining our voices in praise and thanksgiving.   Those words unleash a vision of a vast array of companions who draw no attention to themselves, and all attention to God.  Voices are raised, hearts are open and we are invited to partake of the "Feast of Victory".

 It is a mystical experience.

And then several times each week I am blessed with the real presence of one of the "ordinary saints" who is walking the earth right now.

She is a small powerhouse, with brilliant blue eyes and a smile that lights up the room.  I've never seen her halo but I know that it is there.  She listens to the concerns I bring to her, but she doesn't let me dwell upon them.

Her motto, expressed in what she says, and even more firmly in how she lives is "Focus upon Christ, and do what ya gotta do!"

I feel her companionship even when we are apart.  I love her deeply.  Over the years I have learned much from her about being a woman, a wife, a mother, and a friend.  But most of all, by knowing her, I have come to know more about God.

She is a saint, and she focuses upon the Christlike characteristics of everyone she encounters, including me.

Who are the ordinary saints who surround you?  How do they encourage you to focus upon God?

Prayer:   O God, I give thanks for the saints, past and present.  Help me focus more purely upon you, and you alone!