Lean In…to God’s grace

Several years ago, former Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg wrote a book called Lean In, which touts the importance of women asserting themselves at work and at home to gain satisfaction in their lives. I never read the book but I’ve always liked the title so I’m going to “commandeer” it here for spiritual purposes.

Our journey of faith is about leaning in to a power greater than ourselves. It’s about opening ourselves up to God’s grace, which truly is sufficient to sustain us each day. It’s about leaning in to the Holy Spirit, who accompanies us on our journey and puts powerful spiritual tools at our disposal. It’s finally about surrender - to the God who is love, trusting that he will see us through whatever life throws at us.

I’m on a bit of a “grace kick” this Advent season, so bear with me! These reflections are meant as much for me as for anyone else. I’m trying to unpack what it means to live in the loop of God’s grace - to grab on and not let go of his redeeming, sanctifying grace. It will make us holy, if we let it.

Mother Mary, full of grace, come to our aid and grant us the gift of your Son’s benevolent grace. Help us to be attentive and receptive to all the ways that God wants to pour his grace into our lives. Help us to lean into, and not away from, his gift of grace. Teach us to say yes to God the way you did at the Annunciation - fully and without hesitation. Dear Lady of Guadalupe, whose feast we celebrate today, please pray for us.