28th Sunday in Ordinary Time
R. I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.
Written by Julianna Nett
Think of your peaceful place. When I was younger and going through my middle school ministry program, I remember my Religious Ed leader advising us to close our eyes and think of the place that brings you peace where you and Jesus can just be; the place where no one has to say anything; the place where you are not looking for answers but rather you can just rest in Him. I was perplexed and skeptical. I, at this point, did not understand or even know what a personal relationship with Jesus looked like or more significantly felt like. Alas, I closed my eyes and imagined Jesus and I at my grandparents’ white lake house (that had ultimately turned light brown from lake flies) with green shutters. We were sitting on those crappy fold out reclining chairs; it was a calm day on the lake with an ever so light breeze creating a ripple in the water. I could smell the fresh breeze off the lake. In my head this was a blessing of a day because it did not smell like dead fish. In this place Jesus and I can just exist; it’s my peaceful place with him.
In this place I am not investing my time in my finances, a career in ministry, my future spouse, or even if Taylor Swift went to the latest Chiefs game. This is the place where I rest in Him truly and wholly. This is not the place I bring my journal and try to ponder about the mysteries in my life: that’s designated Adoration time for me. I was reminded of this place very recently at a refreshing retreat with my coworkers. I came to the conclusion that I don’t need to have a revelation every time I sit in front of the Eucharist or receive the Eucharist. Just existing with the Lord next to me is living in His house. Choosing Him despite not necessarily “feeling” reciprocation is living for Him. Simply sitting with Him in my peaceful place is living in His house. This is the place that brings me peace. Let Him give you that peace.
Do you know your peaceful place? If not, no worries! I’d love to journey with you.
Close your eyes
Take a deep breath
Imagine Jesus inviting you to sit with Him
Where are you? What does it look like? Look all around you.
What does it smell like? Breathe in and out again
Are you sitting on the ground? A chair? A hammock?
Look at Him. Let Him let you see how great you are.
Just exist with Him.
In what place does Jesus take up residence in you?
Julianna Nett loves iced coffee, tacos, and Jesus. She has been working in the Catholic non-profit world for the past 5 years & has most recently had the pleasure of working in the events field for a Catholic non-profit. She is proud of her Wisconsin heritage and will never miss an opportunity to cheer for the Green Bay Packers. You can catch her on Instagram!
Pray with today’s psalm.