Steven M Schisler
Jul 30, 2017 · 3 min read

. The other night at our men’s payer group, we were asked a question… “What are you a Master at? You know, in what area do you have excellence?” A great hush fell over the group, not necessarily because no one there was good at anything, or because humility teaches us to not blow our own horn, but because by saying we are good at something opens us up to be critically judged. As I got a little older in life, I realized I had only spent the time necessary to get good of a few things… sleeping, eating, my job, driving, talking, praying and hopefully being a husband and father. Some of these I actually did get good at, but some, I am at best, mediocre. Now, those are the things I want to be best at, plus I’ve refined my list a bit… loving, praying, listening, being a husband , father and grandfather, and communicating (not just talking).

. Today’s readings (1 KGS 3:5,7–12, ROM 8:28–30, MT 13:44–52) help us to focus on what’s truly important in life. Solomon asked for wisdom, understanding and right judgement and it pleased God greatly to give it to him. St. Paul lists being conformed to the image of Christ, children of God, predestined, justified and glorified in Christ as good. Jesus speaks of placing our highest value and focus on the greatest treasure, the Kingdom of Heaven (our faith life). Jesus tells us we will be judged good or bad, wicked or righteous, and sent to heaven or hell for eternity.

. Things that interest us and we value, we naturally want to put forth more effort into, and spend more time at. Sometimes we do the things we have to, rather than want to, consuming most of our time. However, if we prioritize the greatest good, and go from there, we will probably realize we need to realign our time slots. Jesus tells us that the Kingdom of Heaven (think faith life — large scale) is the most important thing because it determines our eternal destination… heaven or hell. I guess first, we have to get that through our thick skulls. So if we prioritize accordingly, wouldn’t we want to work on that primarily, but not exclusively? I mean, we have a life here too, right? So, if we work on conforming ourselves to the image of Christ in our prayer, our work, our driving, our marriage, our parenting, our communicating and listening, our recreation, etc., we should get pretty good at it over the course of a lifetime, with grace and the Holy Spirit’s help. That’s my goal now, conforming myself to the image of Christ and incorporating my faith in EVERY area of my life. After the prayer group, discussing with a couple guys, I guess my gift or area of mastery is relating the spiritual to daily life, or as we Franciscans say, bringing Life to Gospel & Gospel to Life. That’s our mission as Secular Franciscans, by the way. It should be for all of us. Peace and All Good, my friends!

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Steven M Schisler

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Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Catholic Deacon, Secular Franciscan, Outdoorsman, Adventurer, Retired/Disabled Electrician/Field Superintendent/Project Manager/Vice-Pres