How is it the end of July already?? It’s hard to believe
that we are more than half way through the year already!
Over this past month, we have heard many readings from
the Gospel that tell us to abandon ourselves, and turn our
thoughts and hearts over to God! These readings present
a challenge to people, because we are taught if “we want
something done right we have to do it ourselves.” We
know, as Catholics though, that we can not do this life by
ourselves. Being in a self contained bubble is a danger-
ous place to be for anyone, and we see the effects that
isolation has caused on our society. Even before all the
COVID mandates, our society has struggled with isola-
tion. Social media has made it so that no one wants to
“go out” and be in the world. It has given our youth the
sense that they do not need to socialize outside of their
technology, and it has made them socially awkward and
full of anxiety. We need a readjustment. We need to turn
our focus to God! What are some ways you can make
this happen for yourself? What are some ways that you
can center yourself on His Word?

Our Gospel reading this weekend is another lesson to
center our lives on His Word! He is trying to preach to
people that all of the “stuff” the world has to offer is no
match for the true treasures of God’s love and mercy.
Have you ever noticed that the children of Hollywood
actors, who have been given everything, are train
wrecks? Why? There are probably many, many reasons
for this, but when you are given “stuff” just to make you
happy you never have the chance to really confront the
things that hold you down. Money is great, till it isn’t.
When all we do is chase profit we end up with just a hol-
low heart of debt, and we find that our constant chasing
of riches brings us to a dead end. As they say, “a moving
truck is never seen following a hearse.”

I have preached in my homilies “what is holding you
back from living the life God wants for you?” I like this
question, because for my own personal life it’s more of a
challenge, a challenge to do and be better. It’s hard! Life
throws so much at us, and when this happens it’s easy to
lose sight that God is in control. The more we try and
“handle it all,” the more we lose our focus on His will.
We than spiral out of control, and end feeling empty,
unfulfilled, and spiritually broken. The good news is, in
this very moment, we can ask our Father to help pick us
up and bring us back to Him. We just have to ask for it,
we just have to want it with our hearts!

My brothers and sisters, start today! Reach out your hand
through prayer, and give your life over to Him! This will
not be easy, and the road will have some trouble along
the way; however, He will make the most amazing
ride of your life! Trust in Him, and do it all for His
Glory!!! Have a blessed and beautiful week!