“You shall not have other gods besides me. You shall not carve idols for yourselves [. . .] For I, the Lord, your God, am a jealous God.” // Exodus 20:3-4a, 5b
Creak, silence, creak, creak. Despite my best attempt not to make even the slightest noise, the stairs under my feet groan, weary from years of life passing up and down them. My three children are miraculously still sleeping, and I practically hold my breath trying not to disturb their slumber. My feet step off the last carpeted stair to the cold floor below. I tiptoe to the kitchen. Mug, cream, sugar, hot coffee. I glance at the clock: 6:33 a.m. I walk into the living room, draw back the curtains, and cozy up on the couch with a blanket. A rare moment of quiet solitude.
I am jealous for you.
Feeling a bit taken aback, I say good morning to the Lord. I thank Him for a new day, for the opportunity to begin it with Him. Again, I feel Him press upon my heart: I am jealous for you. There is no denying His closeness, His tender pursuit.
Later that morning I head to Confession at my Parish. After waiting in line and receiving the Sacrament, I make my way to the chapel, sure to be busy with other Confession goers. As I step inside, I realize it is empty. How can this be? I think. My eyes welling with tears, I kneel deeply before the Blessed Sacrament, and He reveals His desire to be with me, personally and intimately.
We live in a world where the worship of idols is normal and celebrated. What idols have we carved—perhaps overuse of social media, our phones or other technology, food, relationships—what keeps us from relationship with and worship of God? How are we spending this one precious life we have been gifted?
Sister, the Lord is jealous for you. Today let us ask the Lover of our souls to, ever so gently, reveal what we need to let go of for love of Him. Grant us the grace, oh Lord. Amen.
Elise Howe is a wife, mother, vocal artist, and teacher. She is most joyful when creating with the inspiration of the Divine Artist. Elise hopes to live a life full of authentic beauty—especially through her song, her cut-flower garden, great books, delicious ice cream, and her yes to the Father. A born-and-raised Midwestern gal, she happily resides in Michigan with her husband, son, and two daughters. She was a contributing author to Set a Fire and Blessed Conversations: Misericordia.
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