God leads with a “Nudge” and not a “Push”!

Nothing can be more aggravating than to be waiting patiently in a long line when someone “butts in” elbowing and pushing to make room. It can be most annoying and cause quite a commotion. No one likes to be pushed or jostled in a line or anywhere else. Why? Well, we just don’t like others to force us to do what we are not inclined to want to do. When we find ourselves in these kinds of situations, we resist.

Our God knows this and so when he calls us or wants our attention, He never pushes. He simply suggests a certain direction with a gentle “nudge!” Since the Lenten season provides many opportunities to reflect more seriously on life’s direction and how we are heading there. God uses this particular time to point out another way, and so he gently “nudges” us in that direction. God's "nudge" is simply saying: "Stop resisting and start listening. There’s another way.”

When we do, Lent can help us grow wiser and stronger in our desire to follow the Lord’s personal dream for each of us, and in the process grow holy. God’s “nudge” is wrapped in God’s love and concern that we live our lives to the fullest. Listen to these words from St. Francis de Sales:

“God takes pleasure in seeing us make little steps and, like a good father holding his child's hand, He will conform His steps to ours, quite happy not to go any faster than we can walk.”

Now that’s the “nudge” of a caring and compassionate Father.

And St Paul describes “a nudge” this way

Welcome one another, therefore just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God in order that he might confirm the promises given to the patriarchs. Romans 15:7-10