Sainthood or bust

Today's readings: Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9; Psalm 147: 12-13, 15-16, 19-20; Matthew 5:17-19

The words of Moses today are so powerful. It simply amazes me how much guidance and help the Lord has given us in this life. I have included part of what Moses spoke to the Israelites:

Moses spoke to the people and said: “Now, Israel, hear the statutes and decrees which I am teaching you to observe, that you may live, and may enter in and take possession of the land which the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving you. Therefore, I teach you the statutes and decrees as the LORD, my God, has commanded me, that you may observe them in the land you are entering to occupy. Observe them carefully, for thus will you give evidence of your wisdom and intelligence to the nations, who will hear of all these statutes and say, ‘This great nation is truly a wise and intelligent people.’ For what great nation is there that has gods so close to it as the LORD, our God, is to us whenever we call upon him? Or what great nation has statutes and decrees that are as just as this whole law which I am setting before you today?

Seriously, how much more clear can God be when he tells Moses to remind us to observe the statutes and decrees SO THAT WE MAY LIVE, ENTER AND TAKE POSSESSION OF THE LAND THE LORD IS GIVING US!

I am reminded of the many times that I coached swimming. I loved to coach the new swimmers. To help them to become familiar with breathing and then developing their strokes so that they can get better. Often I had to stop them in the middle of the pool to remind them of the proper stroke technique. In addition, I found myself in the pool often showing them how to move their legs and arms with the different strokes. They understood that what I was doing was giving them help to become better, and not just being mean. And as a swimmer, I didn't only listen to my coaches, I EXPECTED them to correct me and give me feedback on how I needed to observe the proper technique. That was, after all, why I went to their pool to practice.

And this reality exists in all of our jobs, our classrooms, and in our homes. If we do not get help from those in authority we feel like we are not getting respect.

So, why do we treat God so much differently? Why do we expect Him to stay out of our lives? 

If you want to live in the land that has been given to you (Heaven), you need to follow certain guidelines. God doesn't hide these from us, but gives us reminders throughout each day.

Then Moses goes on to say that we should follow these guidelines not only so we can live in the land promised us, but to be an example for others who see us! We should live our life in such a way that people come and ask how they can live the same. Our actions should lead others to Christ! What an amazingly difficult challenge.

Maybe that is why so many LOVE the stories of the Saints. We love to see their life, their freedom from sin, their humility, their goodness...and we want that! 

God is calling us to Sainthood, AND HE HAS GIVEN US THE PLAYBOOK!

Will you follow the decrees and statutes that God has given for your freedom? 

As we get further into Lent, let us take time to remember our Lenten promises and how they help us to fashion a life of freedom and joy. What are other things that God is helping you to refine/change so that you can become more successful and happy?