"Brothers and sisters: Whoever boasts, should boast in the Lord. For it is not the one who recommends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord recommends "
2 Corinthians 10: 17-18 (From the readings for the memorial of Saint Lucy, Virgin and Martyr)
In my journey as a seminarian, I have found that I sometimes worry about what others think and seek recognition out of insecurity. This is because I am not 100 percent grounded in the Father’s love and grounded in my identity as a son of my Father. If I were completely grounded in Him, there would be no need to grasp for attention from time to time. Thankfully, the Father is good and He continues to draw me closer to Him, showing me His big heart. As I become more deeply rooted in His heart, I become more able to go about His business from a place of rest in Him. The Lord says, "No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a vessel, or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand so those who enter may see the light" (Luke 8:16). This light is the Father’s love which burns in us when we rest in His heart. He rejoices to shine through us, His beautifully crafted creation; His light shines through us in a way that is unique just to us. We are like stained glass that shows different colors of the Father's light when it shines through us. Both our hearts and the hearts of those around us burn for that particular color of love that God wants to shine in us.
What keeps me from living in the Father’s heart and loving out of His love?
Father, show your sons and daughters what it is like to live out of your heart today.
Today’s Reflection is by:
Austin Smith
Did you know...
Austin Smith is in his sophomore year at St. Joseph Seminary College in Louisiana. His home parish is Nativity in Brandon.
Pray with us for the men and women discerning the priesthood and religious life. To pray for our seminarians by name or to find out more about the Diocese of St. Petersburg vocations office, click here.
