From The Friars eLetter: Reality

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Letters of hope and consolation # 15 For many people reality is a burden, something they want to escape from.  Unfortunately, there are so many escape routes available to us today. What is it about reality that so many people find difficult?  It is, I believe, the apparent boredom, the apparent nothingness that appears present to people in the midst of their lives.  Because reality appears empty so many people try to create reality according to their own designs and structures.  The ironic thing is that by escaping reality in order to try and create a better one, we forfeit the chance of ever discovering true happiness. A question I pose to you is; how do you view reality?  Is it merely a random succession of events and occurrences?  Is reality empty, boring, devoid of anything that can stir the human heart?  If you answer yes to these questions then I can guarantee you that you are destined for a life of misery. Reality is an encounter with Jesus Christ!  In every moment of our day, whether we are in prayer, reading, with friends, at work, on a busy street corner, fulfilling one’s duties as a parent or enjoying a walk in nature, Jesus Christ is there whispering to your heart that He is the “more” you desire from life.  By ignoring reality or trying to escape reality as soon as possible you are running from Him who is your only hope for happiness. My prayer for you is that you could become so bold as to stand face to face with reality as it is and leave behind all your escapes, illusions and self-sufficiency.  When that prayer is fully answered there will be no reason to escape anywhere because all that you have been looking for will be directly in front of you. God bless you, Fr. Jeremiah Myriam Shryock, CFR St. Felix Friary, Yonkers, NY We need your help! To make a donation click here (PLEASE DO NOT REPLY AS THIS ACCOUNT IS NOT CONNECTED PERSONALLY TO FR. JEREMIAH - THANK YOU)