Bringing our distractions before Jesus

How many times have I come before the Lord - entered His presence - with a distracted mind and heart? Too many to count!

Whether in Mass, during adoration or during prayer times it never fails - distractions happen.

I had been beating myself up internally for letting my mind wander or allowing external things to pull my focus away from God. But that is not what God wants from me - it is not helpful.

Father M, at Mass today, told us that when we start to get distracted by the million things running through our heads we just need to bring those thoughts to God.

Father Benedict Groeschel says that we need to "let ourselves be submerged in the presence of Christ." He then goes on to say:

Soon enough...distracting thoughts will enter your mind and unwanted emotions will surface. Instead of trying to shake these off, I have found it beneficial to try to grasp one of these thoughts and look at it in the presence of Christ who seeks my sanctification more than I can ever imagine. ~from Quiet Moments with Benedict Groeschel

In this way I am still able to be in God's presence, with my focus on God, and turn those distraction around. Instead of leading me farther from God these things can lead me closer to Him.

And so tonight as I sat in Mass, distracted by my three small children, I turned my gaze towards God and gave to Him my distractions. I gave my children to Him. I prayed for them. I asked Him to help them love Him and asked Him to bless them.

And that is the best place for my children to be - in God's care. And that is the best place for all my worries, fears, thoughts and desires to be - in God's care.


Ad majorem Dei gloriam