Recently, I was gently lectured by one of my clients. She was putting a special emphasis on one of the psalms that I often sing and pray. “This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad.” She changed it slightly, and shifted its meaning and gave it a different slant. “Today is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” It is a small change with a huge impact.
Then she went on to remind me that the only day we really have is today. Some one said, “Yesterday is history. Tomorrow my not come. Today is a gift. That’s why we call it a present.” With all that is happening in the world, it is easy to get caught up in the “what-ifs”. Some people cannot let go of the past and some are so concerned about the future that they cannot even live joyfully even for an hour, let alone a whole day. Someone said that if you have a foot in the past and another in the future, you will probable urinate all over the present.
One of the reasons I like mass and Adoration is that for a little while I can encounter Jesus, who always has a message of love and hope, and assurance. When in God’s presence I am consoled and assured that no matter what goes on around me that all will be well. I am reminded that “for those who love God, everything works out for the good”, even when I can’t see it or understand it.
When I get anxious, I am reassured that, even if I die, the worse that can happen to me is that I get to go to heaven where I will live for an eternity with the One who created me and loves me. I will be forever in his presence. Pretty cool! Jesus calls us to be in the world, but not of the world. He tells us not to be worried or anxious that as one yard sign reads “God has got it.” Jesus talked about sparrows and flowers and for us to consider that they aren’t anxious. They don’t spend their time toiling. Granted we must toil, but only with rejoicing and the assurance that all will be well.
Many of us know the Serenity Prayer. “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” Some people add, “Just for today.” Another client shared with me this prayer which is very calming. “God, you gave me everything I have. God, you give me all that I need. God, my life is in your hands.” Reciting it slowly, over and over, may bring a sense of calm.
Can we do that? Can we focus on just today and make today a good day? Can we sing, “Today is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.”? As my client says, “Today is really the only day we have. It’s a gift.”
“May the Lord bless and keep you. May he let his face shine upon you, be gracious to you and give you his peace.”