Essential Sustenance

We in the twenty-first century think we are the first to be so busy—busy with making money or being students or caring for children, parents, or grandchildren. When we are so busy taking care of people and issues right in front of us, how do we remember to make time to enrich our personal relationship with God? St. Francis, in his own busy life of working, teaching, and writing, was always aware of his need for regular prayer—he would not forget. For Francis, prayer was essential sustenance. His guide was Jesus himself, who invites us through his actions and words to engage in deep dialogue with God. How inviting it is to remember that God calls each of us by name and that our name is written on the palm of his hand. God wants to be close to us and so sent his Son to be with us, because He loves us. Our part is to remember to make time for God. 

Will you make the effort to remember? To remember that building a relationship with God takes time and a commitment to regular communication with him—to talk and to remain silent? Put God into your daily schedule, mark a regular time for your friend. Find a quiet space to be present with God. Allow yourself to be overwhelmed by God’s sustaining love.

—from the book Eucharistic Adoration: Reflections in the Franciscan Tradition 
by the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration