The Mass readings for today included Deuteronomy 6:2-6 and Mark 12:28-34. In the first reading, Moses gave the law to Israel to “…love the LORD, your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength.” In the Gospel, Jesus expanded on this by adding, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” In the homily, the priest suggested the image of the cross to explain this way of life. He said the vertical beam of the cross reminds us to look up and love God. One way to help us love God is to meditate on the beauty of nature. God made all things on this earth for our enjoyment. Looking at the mountains each day brings me a lot of joy, so I can remember to thank God for them. The horizontal beam of the cross is our reminder to spread the love we have for God and the love He has for us. If we can grow in love for God and realize all He has created, we could see His Presence in every human being. Then, we can love each person, our neighbor. We can love God who we cannot see through His creation that we can see. But, it takes time and perseverance. So, tomorrow when I look at those mountains, I will thank God for them and for loving me. Then I will try to think about the other wonderful things and people that God has put in my life and thank Him for them. I also need to ask for His help and grace to act in a loving way to those around me and beyond. Yes, I can see that this will take time and perseverance. But, hopefully I will progress as time goes on.

I Found God today in a plan of action to help love God and others more.