Focus on God!!

Pastor’s Pen
Sunday, September 4, 2022
St. Augustine’s Catholic Church

Dear Church Family,

Our Gospel this weekend from St. Luke shows Jesus trying to get our attention. He makes a very bold statement. “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters – yes, even their own life – such a person cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple” (14:26).

Jesus issues this challenge because He wants the commitment of all. We must be completely committed to God (Jesus). He wants us to always put Him first, no matter what or who. God’s focus for us is Eternity and He wants only for us to be with Him. Focus is the key. For us, when we hear His Words, we might think He is being excessive, but He wants us to know how important our commitment  is to everlasting life.

Life and the devil can be very distracting. Money, sex, power are great motivators which we seek, and the devil puts these things in our way to turn us  from God. Focus on God. Focus on God! Focus on God!! We must make God the most important part of our life. As I said this past Sunday, we must be passionate in our love of God. To make it even more clear. We have two choices: God and Heaven, or the devil and Hell.

If you have ever raised a child or a puppy, kitten or any other animal, you understand a fraction of the love God, our Creator has for us. Often, it can be difficult for us to understand because we don’t have an actual physical relationship with God. The closer we place ourselves to God through Mass, communion, prayer, and the other sacraments, the more we feel His love. Let us stress passion in our love for God. His passion is what created us.

Deacon Ed