Michael Sliney

Got Grace?

By Fr. Michael Sliney, LC

     “Got milk?” was a very successful television ad many years ago, showing satisfied, happy faces after drinking milk and flooding the screen with all of the nutritional advantages as well. The Catholic Church should consider doing an ad, “Got Grace?” Our worn down souls have a huge need for God’s grace and Lent is a great time to develop a healthy dependency on it.

     Nearly two years ago, I ran in the Hartford Marathon with two of my brother priests. Besides the practical advantage of getting back into shape and checking it off my bucket list, I thought it would help me better understand what it means to persevere in an endeavor that requires serious commitment and determination.  Several avid runners told me that I needed to buy a large supply of GU energy gels for my training and more importantly for the race itself. I resisted their urging until my body completely shut down near the end of a 16 mile training session…I think the 90 degree heat may have contributed to this breakdown! On the day of the race, I had five Gu packets stuffed in my pockets and systematically brought them out after the 4,8,12,16 and 20 mile markers…and I was extremely grateful for a gentleman on a bicycle who was handing out additional packets from mile 20-26.2…I had another 2 more!

     Persevering in Lent is similar to persevering in a marathon. Ash Wednesday is like the beginning of the race…lots of enthusiasm, focus, excitement and great hopes are at the starting line. Everyone has their resolution in mind, but as Lent drags on, some start to get tired, pull spiritual muscles or simply want out…perhaps the spiritual “GU” is missing fromtheir daily regiment? It also helped me, especially on mile 23, to remember that there was a finish line, that the fans were waiting and their would be a moment to celebrate with my brother priests. Easter is just around the corner…stay strong!

     Visit Jesus in the Eucharist! Don’t worry about what you are going to say, don’t worry if you hear anything or feel anything, don’t worry about all the other things you could be doing during this time. Make space to allow Jesus to love you! Go to Confession! Like a boxer going into the corner when the bell rings, we all need to leave the ring and get patched up by our trainer, the Holy Spirit. As the GU gel replenishes the body, Jesus will nourish your tired soul and give you the spiritual protein needed to continue on your transformational journey to holiness. Please, “waste time” with Jesus- you will never leave disappointed!

Thy Kingdom Come!

Dear Friends, in Christ,

     “God does not give Himself to a chattering soul which, like a drone in a beehive, buzzes around but gathers no honey. A talkative soul is empty inside. It lacks both the essential virtues and intimacy with God. A deeper interior life, one of gentle peace and of that silence where the Lord dwells, is quite out of the question. A soul that has never tasted the sweetness of inner silence is a restless spirit which disturbs the silence of others.” St. Faustina Kowalska

     We are all surrounded by constant noise on the radio, TV, Itunes, Iphones, conversations and events, and we can often engage in endless chatter….we need to get away and find a quiet place to pray.  Let your soul breathe the fresh air of God’s grace, and simply slow down.  God whispers…he will never shout.

Thy Kingdom Come!

Dear Friends in Christ,

“The recollection of an injury is . . . a rusty arrow and poison for the soul.” St. Francis of Paola

     Mistakes are often made in married life and even though behavior may change as a result and a lesson was truly learned, the guilty spouse may not fully appreciate how much damage was done or may not feel the necessary contrition.  Be noble, be magnanimous, take the high road and let it go…for Christ!!

Thy Kingdom Come!

Dear Friends in Christ,

“Doing little things with a strong desire to please God makes them really great.”  – St. Francis De Sales.

    It was a little thing, but it meant a lot to me and my 2 brothers.  Whenever a major winter storm hit in Michigan, my brothers and I would gather up our shovels and spend the day shoveling our own long driveway and then our neighbors for a few dollars.  It was cold, the snow was heavy, and at the end of the day our backs were aching and arms were sore.   As we walked in the door, my mom greeted us with a warm smile and a huge mug of hot chocolate with tiny marshmallows floating at the top.  The pain seemed to melt away.  Thanks mom!!