Whooooaaaaaa... you're going too fast...

The only place that we will ever find God is right here. Fr Mark Toupes

In seminary, it is so easy for the priesthood to become your goal. That day of your ordination becomes a dream just like one’s marriage does when he or she finds love. Years ahead of time, the day is already planned—the place, the people, the words to be said, etc. But in doing so, we can so easily get caught up in a time that does not exist. Of this, Fr Toupes told us at the seminary that God will be present on the day at your ordination, but he is not there yet. That day does not yet exist. What does exist is the here and now. And that is precisely where God is. But if you are not “present in the present moment”, how can you ever notice God.

At the Annunciation, Mary had to have been “present in the present moment.” She was visited by an angel unexpectedly and told that she was to become the Mother of God. What Gabriel did not say was, “think it over and let me know when you decide.” Rather, she answered right then and there saying yes.

With that “Yes”, Mary was able to overlook any dreams and aspirations she had for herself. She had to forget about any troubles that she had or that she knew she would have due to becoming the Mother of God. She had to be willing to give up everything at the drop of a dime.

What is it that we have holding us back from being “present in the present moment”? What do we need to lose so that we may slow down and find God where he is? Is God going too fast for us, or are we going to fast for God? All he is asking of us is to simply slow down and pay attention. If you drive too fast on the highway, you may miss the State Trooper on the side of the road. Yet, if you slow down, you will see him. But what’s the worry then since you won’t have anything to settle with him. Just slow down and say, “Here I am Lord”. “Speak Lord, your servant is listening.”