Come to Know God
"For it is love I desire, not sacrifice, and knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings" (Hosea 6:6)
"For it is love I desire, not sacrifice, and knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings" (Hosea 6:6)
How do we love and come to know God? Whether through rigorous study, a multitude of good works, or hours of disciplined prayer, we cannot truly know God unless we approach all that we do with humility and love. St. Benedict, renowned as a great reformer and the father of Western monasticism, once said that his sister, St. Scholastica, was more effective in her prayer than he was in all his works. He said, "She could do more because she loved more."
Don’t be discouraged on days when we feel overwhelmed by inadequacy and conscious of our failings. Instead, call out in love, like the tax collector: "O God, be merciful to me, a sinner!" Carve out quiet moments throughout the day to offer Him words of praise and listen for His voice in the stillness. As St. Teresa of Calcutta said, "Do small things with great love." That is how we love God and come to understand His will.
How do we love and come to know God?
With love and humility, we thank you God for giving us another day to die to our selfishness, to joyfully serve you in our vocations, and to love you unceasingly. Amen.
Cathy Stipanov was born and raised in Largo, FL. She currently works in Faith Formation at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Lutz, FL, where she also established a chapter of the Seven Sisters Apostolate. Through this initiative, over 40 women have committed to praying Eucharistic Holy Hours for our diocesan priests. Married to her husband Jim for 22 years, Cathy is a homeschooling mom to their three children. In her free time, she is an avid reader and enjoys hiking in the western U.S. whenever possible.
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