Weekly Encouragement August 2nd

Dear Friends,

"Don't just stand there, do something!"

For those of us who are active, ambitious, and success-oriented, this statement may be something we've said to someone who was being negligent or lazy. Do something! I admit, I am prone to thinking this way not only in my professional life, but in my home life too. Stay busy, don't be lazy, keep going.

And yet, a rich spiritual life requires time set aside for contemplation. And perhaps even more importantly, life with Christ requires wise decision-making, not just doing something for its own sake. When I was playing baseball as a kid, one of my coaches taught me that even if a fly ball looks like it's going to be shallow, it's best to take a step back first and then run towards it. Think, then act.

So, just this once, let me encourage you with the opposite of conventional wisdom: "Don't just do something...stand there!"

For further exploration on this theme, check out my reflection below on "patience," this week's fruit of the Spirit.

God bless you all!

In Christ,

Andrew Petiprin

Director of Community Life

Christ the King Catholic Church

Why should we be even a little bit patient with others, especially those who annoy us, slow us down, or even hurt us? It's quite simple: Because God is infinitely patient with us first. Do we extend the same patience to our children, co-workers, friends, and other people with whom we interact in the world? Or do we demand a result now, instead of when the time is right?

I admit, patience is a virtue I lack, so my encouragement here is as much for me as for you.

But let me suggest, the best way for us to grow in patience is to have a sincere, regular prayer life. In Luke 11, Jesus praises "importunity" - that is, the virtue of sticking to something even when we don't get an immediate response. He says, "Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you" (Luke 11:9). Nonetheless, God is not a vending machine! He answers us according to his timeline, and his will. We must be patient with God, or else we would be putting ourselves in God's place and treating him like our servant. So, if you are dealing with something difficult in your life, be patient and prayerful about it. Don't fret or think that it has to be fixed neat and tidy, the way you want, when you want.

Be patient. Trust me, I know it can be tough sometimes.

Prayer:

Father, we thank you for your endless patience with us, your servants. Make us patient with others, conforming us to the image of your son, who is gentle and humble of heart, whose yoke is easy and whose burden is light. Through the same Christ our Lord, Amen.