An old draft I never posted:

While reading the last chapter of Rome Sweet Home by Scott and Kimberly Hahn, I looked at the slip of paper I was using as a bookmark and read the quote below the Divine Mercy image (which I had admired many a time while reading the book) for the first time.

“Man is created to praise, reverence, and serve God our Lord, and by this means to save his soul. And the other things on the face of the earth are created for man and that they may help him in fulfilling the end for which he is created. From this is follows that man is to use them as much as they help him to his end, and out to rid himself of them so far as they hinder him as to it.”

– St. Ignatius of Loyola Spiritual Exercise, no. 23

I am not sure why I did not read the quote before, but found the timing of my discovery quite helpful and a little humorous. I love sitting in Adoration. In addition to praying in Adoration, I often like to sit and look at Jesus and feel His gaze upon me. Focusing on the purpose of life has been quite difficult when my head is often turned towards desires rather than towards the Glory and service of our Lord. I am thankful for the reminder in Adoration today.

J.M.J.