If I’m being completely honest, I kind of zone out when I hear the word 'commandment.'

Whether that be at Mass as the readings are read, or in my own personal quiet time each morning—the word ‘commandment’ comes up—my mind checks out. Why? I think I know it all.

Keep the commandments? Great! I can do that, I’ve heard and learned about the commandments since what feels like the beginning of time. I’m good to go. And again, there I begin to zone out.

My mind and heart often fail to see the beauty—the true relationship with Him that we are called to—through the commandments. Through His words, His guidance, His desires for each and every one of us.

And as I sit with the readings for today, I recognize my automatic response to the word ‘commandment’ and pause. There is more to my relationship with Him than simply hearing and learning the commandments.

“[W]hoever claims to abide in Him ought to walk just as He lived” (1 John 2:6). I want to walk as He lived. I want to share His light and His love. And His commandments allow me, lead me, in fact, to do just that. I don’t want to zone out simply because I’ve heard it before.

His light shines into the cracks of what I think I already know deeply and reminds me that there is truly so much more—to know, to learn, to pray through, to be. His commandments call me into action. His commandments allow me to experience this life as He has created me to—fully, abundantly, and with great joy.

And so I sit with His commandments and His presence comes alive in and through them. I am, as a servant of His, filled with peace. I am fulfilled simply because He calls me on; He lights my way; and His words become honey to my soul.

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Let's pray together this prayer for after Mass that we may grow closer to God by Saint Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church.

Shalini Blubaugh is a Minnesota transplant living in Denver, Colorado with her sweet husband, Matt, their quite large GSD pup, Sully, and baby on the way. She is a health coach and loves pizza, because #balance. Shalini graduated from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, served with NET Ministries, and went on to attend Law School. She graduated with her J.D. and happily leaves all things Law behind! Some of her favorites include travel, re-connecting with old friends and making new ones, the ways in which God so beautifully brings all things full circle in His time, and a good, loud thunderstorm. Find out more about her here.