Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

     Why is loving so hard?  Perhaps because things get in the way.  And what are those obstacles that prevent the vulnerability to love? Fear.  Fear of rejection, fear of being thought naive, stupid, opportunistic, a whole slew of things most of which are imagined. Love so often demands that we expose our wounds, Just as Jesus did and that is frightening. So the response for most is that it is best to avoid getting too involved, just limit relationships especially when we can stay in control.

    But as Moses laments in the First Reading today; “If only we would heed the voice of the Lord…”  And what is that summons but to love the Lord with our WHOLE heart, soul and mind.  Is it possible?  With God  all things are possible. The Lord  longs  for the “whole” of us and that means surrender and when the surrender on our part happens the ecstasy begins.  What is this ecstasy? God and I are one.  What more could we frail creatures hope for?

    So take some time to review what obstacles may be impeding your spiritual growth.  Remember that the month of July is dedicated to the Most Precious Blood of Christ.  Ask Him to cover you in this elixir, washing away your sins in the Sacrament of Reconciliation and preparing your heart to love Him with everything you got.

With Blessings,

Father Langan