Living in the Present

As a father of young and growing children, a husband, and practicing Catholic, it’s easy to get distracted by past sins and mistakes, and especially about worries of the future. But I’m

reminded that God invites us to live fully in the present moment, the time and place where His grace touches our lives and calls us to faithfulness. We as time bound beings cannot change the past or know our future, we can only affect choice in the here and now. It is important to always grow from your past, and make sound spiritual choices to effect better outcomes for your future, but we always need to stay and be grounded in the present.

The church reminds us in Scripture, the Catechism, and the saints that living in the present is so important for each and everyone of us.

“Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”

(2 Corinthians 6:2)

Saint Paul calls us to recognize that God’s work happens now. Saint Francis de Sales reminds us:

“Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections but instantly set about remedying them — every day begin the task anew.”

For me, this means embracing the present moment with hope and action, especially in my role as a father shaping my children’s faith today. Reminding myself of past mistakes to keep my path straight and narrow.

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

(Matthew 6:34)

Jesus teaches us to trust God’s providence. Saint Teresa of Ávila wisely said:

“You pay God a compliment by trusting Him.”

The Catechism echoes this trust in divine providence (CCC 303).

As a father, trusting God daily frees me from anxiety and helps me lead my family with peace. Every morning when I wake up walk up to the Devine Mercy portrait and Kiss the feet of Jesus, and repeat 3 times “Jesus I Trust In You”.

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”

(Ecclesiastes 3:1)

Saint Thérèse of Lisieux taught us to live “the little way” — holiness in daily moments. She said:

“The present moment has been given to you as a perfect instant in which to love God.”

The Catechism calls the present the “decisive hour” for salvation (CCC 2175). This challenges me to embrace the gift of today, not just dream of tomorrow or dwell on yesterday.

“Jesus said to him, ‘If you can! Everything is possible to one who believes.’”

(Mark 9:23)

Saint John Paul II encouraged us to place our trust fully in God’s power and mercy.

“Do not be afraid. Open wide the doors to Christ.”

Faith is a present, active commitment (CCC 150). Living in the present means trusting God’s grace for today’s challenges as a father and husband.

“Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides.”

(Matthew 6:33)

Saint Ignatius of Loyola taught the importance of finding God in all things and moments.

“Act as if everything depended on you; trust as if everything depended on God.”

The Catechism reminds us our Christian life is a journey through the Spirit day by day (CCC 733). For me, putting God first today anchors my family’s faith in the present reality of His kingdom.

Lord Jesus, help me to embrace this day as Your gift. Teach me to trust Your providence and to be present to my family with love and faith. May I grow in holiness through each moment, guided by Your grace and the example of the saints.

Amen.

God Bless,

Patrick Leigh, COO

The Modern Apostle LLC