The Difference

In what seems like a complete lifetime ago now, I recall as a young Christian singing along to a song whose lyrics proclaimed, "What a difference you've made in my life." I think it was made popular by Amy Grant, and Ronnie Milsap, way back in 1977! There was no way that I could have really known what exactly that meant back then.  I reflect on this because recently I have found myself thinking the very same words.  In sort of an eerie fashion, my now seems to be strongly connected to my then.

Indeed I am truly thankful for all that God has been in my life, and all that he has brought me through in order to experience his presence in this time.  I look back and I see blessing after blessing, and I see the mighty hand of God reaching into my life to save me.  

I think that it's important for us to reflect like this because we don't know in any way what the future will hold.  I look at the past 25 or 30 years and I see a wonderful affirmation of God's love and grace that has the power to conquer all.  It's a truly amazing feeling to be aware that God does not change.  God's love remains a constant.

The difference is about living a blessed life and perhaps realizing what life might have been like without God's presence.  So in our now, regardless of what trials might possibly lie ahead, we are able to speak with faith.  We are able to have confidence and courage, and we need only look at those things that give us the strength to affirm all the more.

For many people there is a strong line of personal demarcation between a life lived in sin and a life lived in grace.  They know well what they have been saved from.  Perhaps they tried to fill a personal void and made a wreck of things.  In my 20s I became distant from my Christian faith and tried to fill my human longing with everything except for the one thing that has the power to satisfy.  When we come to God totally, in a complete movement of conversion, the line of difference becomes clear to us.

As Catholics we have the means to come to God is many ways.  Through our prayer and reflections, through study, or through the Mass.  Time after time the means of grace I have found most effective--not just to cleanse my life from sin, but to strengthen me to live in a positive and effective manner--is the sacrament of Penance.  I say this to anyone who has been away from the faith, either by leaving the Church or just being spiritually distant or cold, the remedy is nearby and the grace is available to make a difference, and indeed what a difference it is.

Comments

[Caroline Chapman]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlDmslyGmGI
Joe Cocker's Ballad echos in my mind now.
Jesus, "You are so beautiful to me! ...
Heaven's gift to me."
Caroline's poem:
Jesus Draw Me Near To You.
Jesus draw me near to you, breath the breath of life in me and I in you.
Fill me with your precious blood, cover me in the light of your love.
Carry me home on the last day, may we never part in any way.
Fill me with your love in every way, never do us part.
You, my child, have found “The Way.” You, my child, will see me some day.
Fear not the world’s contempt - and part not from my “little ways” for in this life you will find toil and trouble, but forgiveness is the way to God’s grace and everlasting love. Fear not for I am there in all you do and say. Keep ye faith and part not from Thy holy ways.
Sing to those who have not heard and praise Thy holy name in Third.
Fear thee not for love grows in everlasting abundance. Fields of grain have been sown with the blood of Christ alone. Jump for joy, rejoice from within and seek His face forevermore assured … (to be continued)

Remember
On the last day we will leave the arms of our loved ones (caregivers) into the warm embrace of Our Lord, Jesus Christ. Alleluia!

[CO]

Alleluia. That's lovely, Caroline.

[Deacon DW]

I agree CO-

Thanks Caroline, thanks in many ways, for all you do and for your deep spiritual gift. God bless you.