Every time someone says “just listen to what God has to say” or anything along those lines, I tend to let out a chuckle. It feels like God is so low key sometimes. It can be hard to just clear your mind during prayer (at least for me) and “listen to what God has to say”. I’ve never been good at that but it’s ok because God not only can be low key, but he can also shake your entire world. There is a catch though. So to better explain this I’m gonna share a personal story. The summer after sophomore year was one of those moments when my faith timeline was on a downhill. I mean I went to most youth events at the church and I never missed mass but that means absolutely nothing if you don’t have the right mindset. Anyways I was living a life where sin didn’t bother me because I didn’t care. It’s not like I didn’t believe in God, I just kinda put him at the very bottom of my priority list. I had been dating a girl that I was “in love” with (lol). She wasn’t a bad person but I found myself doing things that lead to sin. The longer I was with her the worse it seemed to get. Early that summer I told my mom I wanted to go to Steubenville (a catholic youth conference). I had no idea what it was or who was going I honestly just wanted to go because there was going to be a stop at the Grand Canyon. God was schemin’. The day we left was the same day I almost committed a sin that I would’ve regret for a very long time but I had to pack so I didn’t have time. On my way to the church I realized that I should not be on this trip. None of my friends would be there and as great as the Grand Canyon is, 5 days with strangers wasn’t worth it. At that point it was too late to back out so we were off to Arizona. By the end of the night I was already having an amazing trip and that was the night that I would make friendships that will last a lifetime. As for the actual conference…. Life changing are usually the words I go to. Some of the best catholic speakers were there along with incredible singers and musicians. Imagine an auditorium at a university packed completely with Catholic youth singing and praising and having an amazing time. Then came adoration. I won’t go into detail about this but all I can say is that this was God slapping me in the face. It couldn’t have been more real than that. It was a moment that I have never truly been able to wrap my head around or explain to other people, which is how I know it was God. The next day I went to confession and made a vow to live my life the way I was meant to. Coming home my life made a major 180°. I broke up with my girlfriend and I became intentional with my faith. Meaning I went to mass but I actually participated in it instead of just sitting there, I read my bible and went to bible study and engaged and had a desire to keep learning more and more. I gave myself small goals that would lead me to living the life I wanted to live. No one can just completely change who they are overnight so it was all about baby steps. Before steubenville I was a pretty happy guy but for the wrong reasons. After Steubenville I realized that I had joy which was far greater than any happiness. So yeah God gave me a pretty good slap in the face, but I let him. I could’ve gone through that entire conference and not felt a thing, then come home and continue my “happy” life. But the catch to letting God in is all about having an open mind. If you’re closed minded about it that’s where you’ll stay. I challenge everyone to stay open to the idea of letting God in and making a place for him in your heart. It can be scary and sometimes.. It can knock you down and make you cry your eyes out (me), but trust me there’s no better decision you can make in your life. (also everyone needs to sign up for Steubenville this summer 10/10 recommend) Below is the promo video from that Steubenville, check it out!
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Colossians 3:16 states,
"Let the message of Christ dwell among you as richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts". Think back to your experiences growing up in the church. Some of our first memories of knowing of God’s immeasurable love for us come from songs like ‘Jesus Loves Me’ and ‘This Little Light of Mine’. Even now, an integral part of the mass is the beautiful music that comes from the choir, organists, and musicians. Sometimes, when words fail to express how we feel or what we want to say, we turn to song; one of the most beautiful forms of prayer that there is. So today, I wanted to share with you, my lovely friends of 410, some of my absolute favorite bops and what they mean to me. Here we go! 1) ‘Because He Lives (Amen)’- Matt Maher https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBvU7arNhQs Matt Maher is one of my absolute favorite Christian artists. Not only is this song perfect for getting hyped up, but it also reminds us of Jesus’ awesome power to forgive and redeem. “Because He lives, I can face tomorrow. Because He lives, every fear is gone.” Sometimes, before a stressful test, I’ll repeat this phrase to myself, knowing that through Him, I can find the strength to see the light even in the most difficult of times. 2)‘Wherever You Go’- Audrey Assad https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZBylmKr8PA If you’re needing an artist that can go from soft, prayerful tunes like ‘I Shall Not Want’, to powerful bops like ‘Wherever You Go’, Audrey Assad is your gal. When things go wrong, it’s all too easy to be angry and upset with Jesus. Sometimes we question why things go the way they do, why bad things happen to good people. This song shows that even amidst every doubt, every shred of anger, every moment of joy, Jesus is with us wherever we go. “So when your wine’s all gone and your well runs dry, open your hands and look into my eyes. For all that you see here, you’ll soon leave behind. So open your hands and look into my eyes.” When we lose faith, make mistakes, or just feel plain old down in the dumps, we can count of God’s infinite, merciful love to follow us wherever we go. 3)‘Hero’- Abandon https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiXBVAJtj2k Out of all of the songs on this list, this is one that I feel such a personal connection to. This song was played during one of the most beautiful and powerful sessions of Adoration that I have ever attended. Looking up and seeing Jesus on the cross while listening to the story of His ultimate sacrifice made me realize the depths of His love for us. “There He goes- the hero, the Savior to the world. Here He stands, with scars in His hands. With love, He gave His life so we could be free, the Savior of the world.” The ultimate sacrifice was made on the cross. We are reminded of the most selfless example of mercy and redemption whenever we look up to the cross. 4)‘Oceans- (Where Feet May Fail)’- Hillsong United https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dy9nwe9_xzw If there’s a bop that everyone knows, it’s Oceans. The beauty of this song is that for as many people that are familiar with this bop, there’s just as many different interpretations of it. To me, it’s an acknowledgement of our dependence on the strength of Christ. It’s a plea for our spirits to be led and our eyes to be fixed on what truly matters most. “Your grace abounds in deepest waters. Your sovereign hand will be my guide. Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me, You've never failed and You won't start now.” 5)‘Abide With Me’- Matt Maher https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIuC9-4aB7Q Confirmation is all about drawing nearer to Christ in preparation of receiving the Sacrament. This bop isn’t just one that reminds you of the depths of His love, but it’s a bop to listen to when you feel lonely and need Him the most. His love is steadfast and like it says in the song, it’s a love that won’t ever let go. Through every sin, through every moment of doubt, every ounce of joy, He is there through it all, desperately wanting to abide in your heart. “Abide with me, abide with me. Don’t let me fall, and don’t let go. Walk with me and never leave. Ever close, God abide with me.” As we get ready to begin a new year of growing in faith together, my prayer is that we can walk further down that road of discipleship, getting closer and closer to Christ. Our Catholic faith reveals the mystery of God's great love for us. I pray we all experience that love in a new and profound way this year.
In Christ, Eric |
AuthorYour confirmation teachers - Kathleen, Eric, Sophia, and Valerie, and with contributions from 410 alumni Archives
September 2021
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