# My Lord, my God, you spoiled us so
*2016-03-09*

> Bill Young reflects on the abundance of God's gifts and the importance of living a life filled with the joy of faith, drawing inspiration from the life of St. Frances of Rome.

## The Abundance of God's Gifts

Today is Wednesday of the fourth week of Lent. We are continuing our reflections on renewing our hearts and the personal invitation to Lenten conversion from Pope Francis. Recently, I listened to my friend Matthew Leonard speak at a men's conference about his conversion from Protestantism to Catholicism, and it got me thinking: My God, Lord, we are so spoiled by all Your gifts. I don't know if we as Catholics are even fully aware of all these gifts. For instance, the gift of Reconciliation is one of the greatest gifts, bringing pleasure to the Lord and to ourselves.

## The Presence of Guardian Angels

I remember a pilgrimage I took with my archdiocese in Miami to Washington, D.C., to see Pope Francis. While we were there, I struck up a conversation with a very nice Protestant woman who had great faith. We began talking about guardian angels, and I was surprised to find she wasn't really sure about them. I thought everyone believed in guardian angels. I always tell people to call on your guardian angel when you are driving. You would be surprised at the good things that happen—how you suddenly find a parking space or the lights turn green just as you arrive. One night, after visiting my wife's mother, I prayed to my guardian angel, and for five or six lights in a row, they all turned green. I actually had to say, 'Angel, you're embarrassing me; you're spoiling me so much!' This is just one small gift God gives us, and I don't know if everyone takes advantage of it.

## Using the Gifts We Are Given

God has given us an abundance of gifts, and we should have joy in using them. It is like Christmas time; if your parents gave you an abundance of gifts and you only used one or two while leaving the others unopened, they would be hurt. Thankfully, God is not like that, but He has given us so many gifts that we cannot even count them. Our Father, thank you for spoiling me and all Your children.

## Joy Through the Example of St. Frances of Rome

Today's topic is 'Joy from a Heart Full of Faith,' which is very appropriate as we honor St. Frances of Rome. Living in the 15th century, she wanted to become a sister at age 13, but she was betrothed to a man. She married him and had six children, yet she spent her life with joy. She gave her money to the poor and went out begging with her sister-in-law. Though she never took formal religious vows, she dedicated her life to the Lord Jesus with joy.

## A Faith That Endures

In Luke 10:37, the lawyer says, 'The neighbor was the one who showed him mercy,' and Jesus responds, 'Go and do likewise.' Some Christians live lives that seem like Lent without Easter. While joy is not expressed the same way at all times—especially during great difficulties—it adapts and changes, yet it always endures. It is a flicker of light born from the certainty that we are infinitely loved. We must let the joy of faith revive as a quiet, firm trust, even amidst the greatest distresses. I have seen the most beautiful expressions of joy in poor people who had little to hold on to, and in professionals who, despite their obligations, were able to detach and simplify their hearts. All these instances of joy flow from a faith in the infinite love of God revealed in Jesus Christ.

*Jesus, help me grow in joy as I grow in trust of your love and mercy.*