A Jesuit Catholic University
in Omaha, Nebraska, since 1878

[426] 1 Thess 2:1-8 Ps 139:1-3, 4-6 Matt 23:23-26

Weekly Guide for Daily Prayer The Daily Reflections

How do I look? What did he think of me? He talked to me in class today!

As girls, it seems as though my friends and I go through this litany at least several times a day.  The guys we like – and more importantly, their opinions of us – are never far from our thoughts.   

But I rarely ask myself, “What does He think of me?”

The readings today remind us that it is God’s opinion that we should worry about most.   He knows where and how we sit and stand, He understands our “thoughts from afar (Psalm 139:2).”  God has searched our very being, and He has “judge[d] our hearts (1 Thes 2:4).”  But do we think of Him when a “word is on [...our] tongue (Psalm 139:4)”?

I struggle quite a bit to think of God in everyday life.  I say my prayers before bed and go to Mass, but He is rarely on my mind the way I guy I like might be.  It should be the opposite.  His scrutiny of my everyday life really matter, and His thoughts and opinions on my actions will decide my fate. 

While this approach might make some fearful, I take comfort in God’s exhaustive and personal interest in me.  He cares enough about me know “all my ways,” to know the “whole of it (Psalm 139: 3-4).” Despite all my faults, God still loves me more than any crush ever could.   I want to reciprocate and work to establish the same intimate relationship on my end.  I strive to bring God into my thoughts as I’m walking to the gym, daydreaming in class, and driving home after a long day.  I am working to make God my “dearly beloved (1 Thes 2:8).”