Pastor's Spiritual Reflections

By Fr. Leo Schneider (4/29/2007)

Dear People of Holy Name,

In my heart I believe all people are good, that deep down we all desire good, meaningful, purposeful lives connected to others in love. If anything, perhaps we have settled for less than our dream. So rather than shame, which doesn’t motivate, we can all ask ourselves if we have settled for less in our lives, and if so, what dream do we want to resurrect.

Our “sinfulness” is an expression of our settling for less in many cases. For the person who settles for 20 minute sex with no real relationship, is that what they want? I doubt it, but in their woundedness they settle for less. Such a person needs to heal, to take away what is blocking them from the dream that is deep within them.

Jesus says, “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (Jn 10:27) I believe the voice of Jesus is the voice within that is our deepest dream. Coming to a better life requires listening to that voice and removing the hurts, frustrations, disbelief in self, others and God that have made us settle for less in our lives.

The good news is the Lord is our shepherd and never leaves us unattended. In fact he always seeks us in our brokenness, even when we are not seeking him, to bring us his healing and life. Because we do not need to fear our God at all, we don’t have to be afraid to listen to our hearts deepest desires either. They will lead us in the right path because they are the voice of God within.

So the question we can ponder this week is, “Have I settled for less?” What dream, hope or happiness is still unrealized in my life? What keeps me settling for less and how can I change that?

The good shepherd is at our side and will carry us if he needs to, ours is to follow him in listening to his voice within, and finding the courage to live fully not settling for less. Let us pray that the Lord may grant us his courage and a deep heartfelt desire to realize our deepest dreams and not settle for less, even if we have in the past, in our lives.

May God bless us as we learn to listen again and find the energy to seek the fullness of life in him. It will help to remember we are created in his image and we are all good people. No hell, fire and brimstone needed!

In Christ peace, Fr. Leo