When I was asked to write about the present moment, I thought to myself that it was quite a delicate subject and that I certainly hadn’t fully achieved this positive goal in my life. However, it is something I work on every day, with God’s help. It is impossible to achieve this goal without God, for He is entirely in the present. He is not a God of yesterday, nor of tomorrow; He says it Himself: I am.

For my part, I believe that to live more fully in the present moment, it is helpful to look to those who have inspired us through their devotion to the present moment. For me, these were my parents, certain friends, and my special encounter with Father Louis Marie Parent, O.M.I. Having spent time with him on several occasions and having corresponded regularly with him, I can still see the fruits of his teachings. His devotion to the present moment was enviable.

Father Parent drew on a form of psychology rooted in experience and common sense, and he drew an even clearer lesson from the Gospel. Moreover, his teaching was grounded in God, the unshakeable rock and the primary source of hope. He also spoke highly of the spirituality of Alcoholics Anonymous and drew upon their philosophy of life. Through his example, he enriched me enormously with this positive attitude to life, for, with him, everything was present.

Through this attitude, we cultivate self-acceptance, openness towards others, a smile, a cheerful disposition, a welcoming spirit, a sense of humour and, consequently, peace and joy.

At this very moment, anything can happen, just as in the Gospel: in this present moment, Mary Magdalene saw her heart transformed, the good thief received forgiveness, the Samaritan woman was cleansed, and so on. Many examples in the Gospel took place in this very moment, in this present moment; the past no longer mattered.

If we put as much effort into focusing on the good times in our lives – our joys, our laughter, our positive relationships – there would be less room for our fears and worries to grow.

Living in the present moment, in the presence of God, invites us to become more charitable, since God is the gift of self. Charity means being of service.

Being of service means turning towards our neighbour. It means being attentive to the needs of others and lending an ear to listen attentively.

We have so many opportunities to be kind and to see the beautiful, the good, the right, and the true in our fellow human beings. There is goodness in everyone. Let us welcome those who are different with unconditional love.

Let us not forget that the most important time in life is the present moment, and that no minute of my life will ever be more important than the present moment.

Let us also not forget that God is the ever-present One; therefore, anything is possible with God, for nothing is impossible for Him.

I pray that you may receive this grace.

Roxane Poirier
Canada