In the silence of the night, I pause to reflect. The routine of daily work may make one lose the orientation of his or her life. The struggle to keep alive the competitiveness, the struggle to provide for the material welfare of our families, are realities that can finally overwhelm us. The world faces serious problems.

Children grow up without feeling the closeness and guidance of their parents. Young people don’t have opportunities to realize themselves. Large groups of workers have wages that do not allow them to satisfy the needs of their families. Forced into this pattern of life many can not find a meaning to their lives. People study and work to educate their children so that they can study and work and rest. It is a windmill that gradually causes great pressure, and we concentrate more on ourselves, isolating ourselves from others.  

In our society full of apparent light entertainment, easy sex, amazing technology and instant communication, it seems that all of us will be winners as we struggle for the prize, but we ourselves finally become the prize.  

How many things have I looked at but have not really seen?  How many things have I heard but have not listened to? In the course of daily life, there is something hidden that leaves us unsatisfied. We strive for success that is nothing more than the shadow of true fulfillment. Is it worth while to struggle this way and find ourselves being attacked from all sides?

Give life its true meaning. Make life full, fertile and happy. Inspire it with high ideals which we share with others. Let us be like nature. It is abundant. Let us be the heroes like the flowers that grow in the desert, without the least drop of water. These ideals are indifference, generosity and sacrifices in big and little things. Each at its proper time and place. In studying, working, playing, in institutions, in house work and in the family, let every action be a projection of your ideals. Do not be an anti-something person. Let us each commit ourselves to the cause of others to the best of our ability, with less words and more action. You do not think about life nor try to avoid it. You have to take a big risk. Given that all human activity is weak when God is not its source, our ideals should be a mirror of His will. From Him comes life and the force and energy to live it.  We are not alone.

We should live life with great joy, filling others with sunshine. Do not avoid difficulties. Face them with confidence and optimism. The gift of our smile enriches the one who gives it, and no one is so poor that he cannot give it. There is no problem that does not have a solution, if we strive with all our energy and have faith in God. And why not do it? Life is filled with beauty. The simple, the gratuitous, the delicate signs of our planet are filled with beauty. Have faith in God and in others without losing hope.

Confidence in others is spread just as life when the wind carries the pollen that germinates. In this way we shall conquer egoism and love will be born. This is the simple, disinterested and responsible ideal that should motivate all our life. Good and divine love, concrete, silent, respectful, subtle, profound and committed.

Love makes us discover that the way to solving marriage problems is not going back on promises but facing them and seeking a solution. Love never uses the word I, only you. We should cultivate its mystery and increase our commitment. The talents we have are to be used and put to the service of others. We cannot, like the Lord, multiply bread but yes. we can work to alleviate suffering, especially of the very poor, because Christ is in them, because they are Christ.

My criticism is not worth anything if I have not helped my companion; if I have not cooperated with my neighbors; nor consoled the sick. And so, if I have not shared with those most in need, give, give until it hurts…until our arms fall off from weariness. May our life not come to an end without having done something concrete for others.

We are Christians. We cannot avoid change. Our mission is to revolutionize society with the gospel. Our commitment should be precise and concrete.  Those who are in public service, in social works or in politics are not the only ones for this work. When we look for solutions to problems, let us do it with the security of not generating new conflicts. We are people of peace. Our voice should be firm when there is violence. In the service of others we are at the threshold of justice.

When doubt arrives, a situation that causes anxiety, either we go back to yesterday´s routine or to that of last year. Instead, we should ask ourselves: What would Christ do if He were in my place? And with immense courage, cast the net, jump ahead to fulfill Christ´s plan, however difficult it may be. Give to each problem the solution that Christ would give. Act like Him. Live life with the good and the bad, conscious that the Lord and I are one and that we work together.

How to live life? Be like Him.

“Content, Lord, Content” 

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