It was really for the sake of saving lives that God sent me here ahead of you. Gn 45:5
While reading today's readings, I reflected on the call that God makes for us and how his Divine Providence is always present even when we do not realize it. Sometimes we respond to God's call even without knowing, and it is not until long afterwards that we realize that the need, the illness, or the desire for adventure was God's call to meet Him. I came to this country alone, with $5 in my pocket, the clothes I was wearing, and without speaking a word of English. I had left everything: my family, my friends, my school, for the promise of a better life, with the hope of helping my parents, and with the excitement of the adventure. At that time, I did not understand the magnitude of the change that was happening in my life. I was 15 years old, and like every teenager, my mind was full of fantasies and dreams. During my 23 years, I have gone through many difficult situations, but I have also been able to witness the wonders of God. When I reflect on my life, I realize that God was always there, and through everything I have been through, he strengthened my faith and helped me to be courageous in announcing the coming of his Kingdom. Now I understand the need that my family went through, that desire for adventure in my adolescent heart, was the voice of God calling me to be his disciple. Responding to this call has not been easy, but I know that, although I am weak, it is God who gives me the strength to carry on and get up when I fall.
Do you recognize the presence of God in your life?
Blessed are you Lord for the happy moments that you have given me. Blessed are you Lord for the poverty in which I lived. Blessed are you Lord for the problems that I have gone through. Blessed are you Lord for the times that I have fallen. Blessed are you Lord for putting the desire for adventure in my heart. Blessed are you Lord because thanks to all those things, I have been able to enjoy your Divine Providence, and your inexhaustible love.
Today's Reflection is by:
Gustavo Facio
Did you know...
Gustavo Facio Orozco is a member of the Pastoral Juvenil Hispana. He is a parishioner at Corpus Christi in Temple Terrace where he is a lector for the Spanish Mass. Gustavo is currently studying psychology at the University of South Florida. He loves reading, traveling and grilling.
