God's Growth Within Us
by Deacon Marcelo David

When observing the growth of an infant, one can see two important ingredients needed for the child's complete develop ment. The first is the food that physically nourishes the body. The second is the caring love required to fulfill the child's emotional needs.

In order for us as Christians to grow spiritually, there are two important ingredients needed. First, we need the Sacraments,as spiritual food for God to develop within us. The more we receive Christ in the Holy Eucharist, the more we become like Him and less of us. As God develops spiritual muscles within us, we become stronger to fight what is not of God and it inspires us to be more like God. As often as we avail ourselves of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the more room God has to grow, replacing our impurities. As we allow our guilt to be forgiven, we free ourselves of the burdens that prevent God from dwelling in us.

Secondly, we need prayer to communicate with God about our love and His love for us. Prayer allows us to express our inner most feelings to God. As we speak with God, our relationship becomes more personal and pure. The more we know Him, the more will we experience God in our everyday lives. As we experience God, our lives become joyful, inspiring us to keep His presence. God fills our entire being until He overflows out of us. God makes us share our experience of Him to others, our love and faith in Him grows. We become one with Him in love and are living His commandment of Love. Love begets love. The more we love others, the more we become like God, for God is Love and Love is God.

Let us nourish the development of our spiritual life the same way we care for the physical development of a child. Each day of our lives, we are asked to allow Christ to grow within us. All we need to do is accept the invitation to be cared for and to be Loved.