“I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”
— Psalm 77:11
I know when one thinks of “homework” warm and fuzzy thoughts don’t necessarily come to mind. We might instead immediately want to roll our eyes when we stop and think about one more thing to add to our growing to-do lists. And even if that item or assignment is connected to the holiest of weeks, it might make one feel overburdened, or could serve as a reminder of what we wanted to but didn’t accomplish spiritually during the Lenten season. Well, that’s not the case with the type of activity I’m suggesting. I believe this assignment will have the opposite effect and make the Triduum and the entire Easter celebration that much more meaningful.
In my latest book, Listening for God: Discovering the Incredible Ways God Speaks to Us, Catholic brothers and sisters from all walks of life share the “Godcidences” that have occurred in their lives. Some of the moments that God reminded them of His love involved miraculous healings or immediate answers to prayer. And those healings and answers were just too coincidental to be a mere coincidence. Other examples were less dramatic but just as spiritually moving, as God affirmed something on their heart or gave them a little hug from heaven just when they needed it most. We call those moments “God winks” or “Godcidences”. I’m sure you have had many of them yourself. For example, a radio listener of mine recently emailed me sharing how she was on her way home from visiting her dying father in the hospital. She was really struggling emotionally, when all of a sudden, she noticed a white truck in front of her. “Isaiah 41:13” was written on the back of the vehicle. When she arrived home, she grabbed her Bible to look up the verse and was pleasantly surprised as well as comforted to read “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” That my friends, is a definite Godcidence.
So, as we move through the Triduum, on to Easter Sunday and beyond, that’s your homework assignment; to ask the Holy Spirit to help you recall those Godcidences in your own life, to write them down so you don’t forget, and then to offer the good news about the Good News, the savior of the world, Jesus Christ. In this hurting world, where so many things are uncertain, and people are searching for meaning and peace, simply remembering and sharing the difference God has made in your life, will no doubt make for a much more meaningful Easter for you and for those with whom you share the love of God.
Here are a few other priceless Scripture verses to help you look back on all that God has done and continues to do for each of us. Buono Pasqua!
- “You shall remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the Lord your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the Lord your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day”. (Deut. 5:15)
- “I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty, and on Your wondrous works. Men shall speak of the might of Your awesome acts, and I will declare Your greatness. They shall utter the memory of Your great goodness, and shall sing of Your righteousness.” (Psalm 145:5-7)
- “And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.” (Matthew 10:30)
- “Remember His covenant forever, The word which He commanded to a thousand generations.” (Chronicles 16:15)
- “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is on those who fear him from generation to generation” (Luke 1:46-50)
“Extra Credit” With Eternal Consequences
A lot of times in school the teacher gives “Extra Credit” or a “Bonus Question” on a homework assignment. Here’s my recommended “bonus” assignment that can gave eternal benefit for both you and others: attend the Listening For God VIRTUAL Conference which is taking place April 16-18, 2021. I’m not only encouraging you to take the time to register for this FREE conference but ask that you invite others that need a pick-me-up about now. Also, I encourage you to invite anyone to the conference the Lord puts in your path over the next few weeks as well. Personal invitation is very powerful. Who doesn’t need some more inspiration, positivity, and GOOD NEWS at this time? These 50+ amazing speakers include EWTN favorites such as Fr. Mitch Pacwa, S.J., Fr. John Trigilio, Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle, Jason Evert, Joan Lewis, Dr. Ray Guarendi, yours truly, and many more. They will all sharing inspiration to warm your heart and soul and also give you food for thought on how to be more aware that our loving and almighty God is always trying to reach out to us. I hope to see you there! Click here for more information and to register.
If you have an inspiring “Godcidences” story, please email me at inspiration@teresatomeo.com
