"Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, "What, then, will this child be?" For surely the hand of the Lord was with him." - Lk. 1:65-66
It was amazing how quickly it could happen. The thrill of sneaking an extra dollar, shirking a chore or any other sort of unruliness would become dread in an instant. In fact, it would become dread the instant that accountability occurred. That moment of being "busted" or seen in my poor decision-making was one which often lead to a change of thinking, a re-prioritization of my time or a deeper understanding of the how my choices impacted others. I am now very grateful for the consequences my parents allowed me to experience for my decisions. Those moments were tangible and real moments that my heart turned back to the Lord.
I share this because sometimes, the last thing I want is the Lord to notice my decision-making. However, that moment is exactly the moment of conversion though—if I avoid awareness and responsibility of my own sins then I tragically also forfeit that beautiful moment of my heart being turned. it doesn't always feel good for our hearts to be turned to the Lord. Sometimes it's in a moment of feeling guilty, sad, "busted" or dread that the Lord uses to draw us back.
As we near the great feast of Christmas, may we allow our hearts to be turned to Him—even if His presence makes us a bit uncomfortable.
Where does the Lord desire to turn my heart to Him?
Jesus, may Your presence in my life reveal how I might follow You more faithfully.
Reflection by:
Fr. Chuck Dornquast
Did You Know...
Fr. Chuck Dornquast is a son of St. Joseph Parish in Zephyrhills. After graduating from Zephyrhills High School he entered seminary where he would spend the next 9 years. While in seminary he spent time at many of our diocesan parishes and discovered more and more the heart of Christ the High Priest within him. After ordination he spent his first 4 years of priesthood as the associate pastor of St. Lawrence in Tampa. He currently serves the Diocese of St. Petersburg as the Director of Vocations.
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