Latarae Sunday Reflections

Fr. Will gave an excellent homily at Mass today. He spoke about how we need to live our lives in such a way that allows God to reach beyond the surface. This needs to be reflected in how we relate to others.

I find this idea to be relevant to most everyone in this day and age. So many of us get caught up in surface-level communication... not allowing anyone to relate on a deeper level- because we realize subconsciously that it is safer. I know that I am definitely guilty of this. I put up walls and keep many people at a distance so as to keep from any kind of emotional pain. What is even more upsetting, is that this is also seeping into my relationship with God. I keep Him at a safe distance... close enough to feel like I'm relating with Him, yet far enough away to not let Him truly reach my heart. This is a difficult realization that I have come to... however, it seems that Lent is a perfect opportunity to remedy this problem.

I am going to take this Lent to help open my heart to deeper relationships with God and those around me. Fr. Will mentioned that modern technology has contributed to this issue- and it's so true. The ability to instant message, text message or use surface-level technology to "build relationships" with others is deceiving what we know to be an ordinary friendship. This is not to say that modern technology is intrinsically bad/evil by any means. This is merely to point out that we have allowed it to replace a lot of necessary person-to-person interaction that is needed for a solid relationship. It is more convenient and therefore a more common method of maintaining a relationship with another. It has also hindered our interactions with one-another when we are in-person. Conversations often fail to reach a deeper level and stay at the surface. It seems rare to have deep and meaningful conversations- reaching at Truth, truly getting to know someone, or revealing much of anything about a person. This doesn't apply to everyone of course, but it is definitely something to think about and consider.

Meaning Behind the Song

This has happened before. I had a song stuck in my head and no matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't get it out. Last time it was The Frey's "You Found Me." It made sense at the time why after I thought about it. Sometimes words and/or songs stick in your head for a reason.

The song that I currently cannot seem to get out of my head is Kris Allen's "Live Like We're Dying." This song is catchy and has a good message. The lyrics are as follows:

Kris Allen - Live Like We’re Dying Lyrics

Sometimes we fall down and can’t get back up
We’re hiding behind skin that’s too tough
How come we don’t say I love you enough
Till it’s to late, it’s not too late

Our hearts are hungry for a food that won’t come
We could make a feast from these crumbs
And we’re all staring down the barrel of a gun
So if your life flashed before you
What would you wish you would’ve done

Yeah… gotta start
Lookin at the hand of the time we’ve been given here
This is all we got and we gotta start pickin it
Every second counts on a clock that’s tickin’
Gotta live like we’re dying

We only got
86 400 seconds in a day to
Turn it all around or throw it all away
We gotta tell ‘em that we love ‘em
While we got the chance to say
Gotta live like we’re dying

And if your plane fell out of the skies
Who would you call with your last goodbyes
Should be so careful who we live out our lives
So when we long for absolution
There’ll no one on the line

Yeah… gotta start
Lookin at the hand of the time we’ve been given here
This is all we got and we gotta start pickin it
Every second counts on a clock that’s tickin’
Gotta live like we’re dying

We only got
86 400 seconds in a day to
Turn it all around or throw it all away
We gotta tell ‘em that we love ‘em
While we got the chance to say
Gotta live like we’re dying

Like we’re dying oh - like we’re dying [x2]

We only got
86 400 seconds in a day to
Turn it all around or throw it all away
We gotta tell ‘em that we love ‘em
While we got the chance to say
Gotta live - like we’re dying

We never know a good thing till it’s gone
You never see a crash until it’s head on
All those people right when we’re dead wrong
You never know a good thing till it’s gone

Yeah… gotta start
Lookin at the hand of the time we’ve been given here
This is all we got and we gotta start livin it
Every second counts on a clock that’s tickin’
Gotta live like we’re dying

We only got
86 400 seconds in a day to
Turn it all around or throw it all away
We gotta tell ‘em that we love ‘em
While we got the chance to say
Gotta live like we’re dying

Like we’re dying oh - like we’re dying [x2]

We only got
86 400 seconds in a day to
Turn it all around or throw it all away
We gotta tell ‘em that we love ‘em
While we got the chance to say
Gotta live like we’re dying
Live like we’re dying

This song contains a lot of truth. We need to make sure to tell those you care for that you love them. Show them that you truly do care. How else can the knowledge be made known? Give life a chance... you have to take some risks. Yes, mistakes will be made - but that is how you learn. Don't let life pass you by. However, at the same time - don't be naïve... some risks are worth taking and some are not. Learn to judge the difference. Don't let past mistakes come between you and making amends. Time on earth is short, make it count and push yourself to be the best version of yourself. Don't limit what you can do, don't compare yourself thinking you can never be as good a person as so-and-so. Give yourself some credit and make steps to better yourself.... and guess what? We are in the perfect season for that. LENT! Take this Lent to pray and ask God how to become the person He wants you to be. It is never too late. Start now. Make it a good Lent. Think of what Jesus did for each one of us. He gave His life for the betterment of mankind. Can you not offer even a fraction of that? Devote even 10 minutes a day to improve your relationship with God. He will take whatever you have to offer. HE loves you and is not afraid to tell you. Let Him.

Ever-changing Life

Some days I get thinking about my future and one of two things happen. Either I get really excited about the countless possibilities OR I get scared out of my mind over the unknown that lies ahead. But, through this... I've discovered - the fear I sometimes feel - only brings me to question the decisions I am making now, working to make a difference every step of the way. I more carefully analyze where my life is headed and what I am doing to make things happen. How is my relationship with God strengthening my future? AND more importantly... how is what I am doing now strengthening my relationship with God? These are two questions that cause a great deal of consideration and thought.

With Lent quickly approaching... I see it as another incredible opportunity to grow in my life and relationship with God. Sacrificing something for Lent should not be as basic as it sounds. The point of giving something up is to bring you closer in your walk with God.... a way to develop your relationship and come to a better understanding of His Passion where He gave His life for us. I am carefully considering what way would best help me accomplish this. Lent has always been one of my favorite times of the year. It has always been a time of great reflection and spiritual growth. I pray that this Lent may be just as fruitful and thought-provoking as in the past.

God's love is overwhelming - a relationship is a bit of give and take... so, let God take hold of your heart as He gives you His.