The Test

TESTING

As a teacher I administer a variety of assessments such as quizzes and essays every two weeks or so. These assessments allow me to appraise students learning over a certain topic.  In both of the readings today we see that a test of some sort was given. However, I never really liked the idea that God tests us especially if I would fail. I was told that the various trials that we encounter during our life are actually tests. How we react to them is actually a test of faith. But this in itself is where I lack an understanding of what faith is. 

I certainly understand the idea of test anxiety as my students seem to freak out with the idea that they have to take tests especially if they have multiple tests in a day. They frequently complain that they are over tested to of which I agree. 

What about God, does he test us much like my students? Some days it seems that my world is that of confusion, anxiety, and lack of direction based upon the various tasks that I have to complete. Should I select A, B, C, or D. Maybe none of the above would be better. Better yet I can just write an essay which I would gravitate to as I don't like the idea of so many choices. God can just listen to my lament about that particular test in a two page discourse of which I can begin with a thesis and then support it with three paragraphs and then a conclusion. Very formulaic. But God doesn't quite work that way.

WHAT I CAN LEARN FROM ABRAHAM

I am familiar with first reading from Paul as he alludes to Abraham and the journey of faith. The key passage is, "By faith Abraham obeyed." (Heb 11:2) Obedience is a difficult concept for me as I have a problem with authority as I view my way or solution as a better path to whatever is suggested. The idea that Abraham did not receive what was promised , but saw it from afar is also troublesome for me as well (Heb 11:13). As suggested in a previous post I want a map. Abraham faith is what allows him to journey into a foreign land encountering each trial knowing that God is guiding him to a land not seen.  

I don't receive outright promises from God about my daily tasks and what lies ahead, but upon reflection I can see that I am guided through this earthly land which in its own is quite foreign as new trials and encounters fill my day. And somehow I come out unscathed.  Taking Paul's suggestion that Abraham as traveler in a land that is temporal, but something better lies ahead provides hope. Of what that homeland might be I can't spend much time thinking for I need to focus on the road in front of me.

ROUGH WATERS

As with many I have encountered the turbulent waters of life which at the time seemed to insurmountable. My response to these trials was much like that of the disciples in Mark (4:35), "don't you not care that I am perishing?" Whether it be family illnesses or personal trials, I would and still do yell out at God in anger, "Where are you?" Other times my reaction would be, "Why me or not this again." 

I have many a time trying to navigate the waters on my own. I have completely given up on God at times. The squalls have thrown me out of the boat and yet for some reason a life line has been extended to so that I can be pulled back in and be seated upright. Must be something about God's grace and mercy. 

"Teacher," the disciples cry out. This is where I as the pupil need to take heed and learn.

MORE TESTS AND MORE TESTS

Recently I have undergone a series of tests to determine the origin of pain in my neck and arms. Two of tests determined nothing, another one is being interpreted and one revealed some issues that most likely require surgery. Yet to this day the origins of the all of the pain are not explained. Most likely more tests will be required before any type of procedure is done.  

My students are assessed in a similar manner throughout the year with tests on different topics as I evaluate what are their mastery levels of the material. So in a way the tests never stop and neither do our life's trials as well as the temptations we encounter which may take us off the road temporarily. 

At times I want to tell God, "This is enough, just give me the answer!"

THE ANSWER

Jesus reminds us to be still and not afraid. This for me is a test. Can I relax and give this trial to God and let Him guide my boat across the turbulent waters? Initially I fail and overreact to the particular trial in front of me, much like a student who encounters a difficult question with many choices. Once settled I can make a decision to be guided.  The choice is not A, B, C or D, it is FSHS. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 

Knowing that God the father has my best interest and His son has experienced life on this earth along with trials and tribulations beyond my comprehension provides me with hope.  Also knowing that allowing me to be teachable and opening door to the presence of the Holy Spirit gives me some understanding of the idea of the faith that Abraham exhibited.  

Even an old veteran teacher can still learn.

Follow Me

 Follow Me

I quite frequently ponder the question, "How did I get here?" A reflection of my life over the last fifty plus years reveals a road full of potholes, curves, steep grades, and falling descents. Could I have predicted my present place? Absolutely not. A quick look at my formative years as an adult certainly would be nothing to write home about. But here I am in the place God wants me to be.

Jesus calls Andrew, Peter, James, and John to follow him and based on the words of Matthew, each of them immediately drops their fishing nets and begins a new occupation. Blind faith is probably an accurate saying here.  Who after all would leave their occupations and more importantly their families behind if someone came by and said, "Follow me."

It is of significant note that each of these men of a profession that did not require an education and that were they were hardworking, but simple men. Maybe there is something to that. In a society that prides itself with reaching the pinnacle of success with riches, glory, and adoration, it seems there is a disconnect with the way of Christ. I can relate to this trap quite well. 

Isaiah refers to the degraded land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, a distressed gloomy land in the first reading.  Taking a step back and looking at our world today I think that he would probably utilize the same words. But in keeping with his message of hope,  he states that "the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light (Isa). His reference to "the yoke that burdened the people, the pole on their shoulder, the rod of the taskmaster (Isa 9)" that has been destroyed provides a sense that no matter what a person can overcome any difficulties. As we know this passage relates directly to today's Gospel reading's setting.

The statement follow me is one which a child usually has no problem with as they take the hand of a loving parent.  However, with adults there is a natural resistance, almost a rebelliousness, as we think we already know the way.  We are mature, we know life, the twists and turns. Following authority is a character defect that I constantly struggle with. My first question is where are we going and then how are we getting there.  I want a roadmap, but not Siri, that will detail every turn. I want to know how long it will take and how we will measure success. I am sure my bosses can attest to the fact that I can be quite a pain as I pepper them with these questions when a proposal is made. I like to see the plan. 

What makes the first disciples so unique is initially they did not ask questions, they left everything behind and followed Jesus.  I can't imagine being one of them. However, as previously mentioned, a quick review of my life in the darkness and without spiritual direction reveals a broken path. Psalm 27 refers to the Lord as the light. I now feel more comfortable following this light, but still with some trepidation as the road of life is littered with hardship, suffering and challenges many of which I still have anxiety about. Taking the hand of faith, hope and love of the Lord guides me despite the many questions I have. I want the map, I want to be able to plan when I retire, and what I will do next. I want to know how my children will fare in the adult world. I want to know how I will fare in an impending surgery. But as one can see this is all about me and what I want. I must trust in the light, the Lord and wait for the Lord with courage as He has the answers.

“My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think that I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road though I may know nothing about it. Therefore will I trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.”

― Thomas Merton, Thoughts in Solitude

The Message of Fasting

From By O. Fernandez, New York World-Telegram and the Sun staff photographer 

The Message of Fasting

It is fitting that today in the United States that we celebrate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and in doing so we also read in the Gospel about fasting, putting on patches on cloaks, and new wine into old wineskins.  Dr King's speeches resonate with the message of justice and nonviolent actions. Most adults and schoolchildren alike are familiar with his "I had a Dream" speech having learned about and studied it in school. Yet it seems that the very message he preached of harmony has fallen on hard times in recent years.

Dr. King warned our nation of spiritual death in his speech April 4, 1967 to the Riverside Church.  Most of his speech was dedicated to the rising disenchantment with the Vietnam War which was tearing at heart of nation at the time. He was quite clear about the ramifications of continued violence internally and externally. However, as with his constant underlying theme of hope, he proposes a solution. Below is an excerpt from the end of the speech.

This call for a worldwide fellowship that lifts neighborly concern beyond one's tribe, race, class, and nation is in reality a call for an all-embracing -- embracing and unconditional love for all mankind. This oft misunderstood, this oft misinterpreted concept, so readily dismissed by the Nietzsches of the world as a weak and cowardly force, has now become an absolute necessity for the survival of man. When I speak of love I am not speaking of some sentimental and weak response. I am not speaking of that force which is just emotional bosh. I am speaking of that force which all of the great religions have seen as the supreme unifying principle of life. Love is somehow the key that unlocks the door which leads to ultimate reality. This Hindu-Muslim-Christian-Jewish-Buddhist belief about ultimate -- ultimate reality is beautifully summed up in the first epistle of Saint John: "Let us love one another, for love is God. And every one that loveth is born of God and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God, for God is love." "If we love one another, God dwelleth in us and his love is perfected in us."⁴ Let us hope that this spirit will become the order of the day.

We can no longer afford to worship the god of hate or bow before the altar of retaliation. The oceans of history are made turbulent by the ever-rising tides of hate. And history is cluttered with the wreckage of nations and individuals that pursued this self-defeating path of hate.

Fasting is defined as refraining from eating abased on the definition found in dictionaries. We are challenged to fast during Lent from various forms of comforts and food. I find myself that fasting from food is quite difficult for health reasons, but from fasting from snacks between meals is more realistic. Fasting brings me closer to God through prayer and my need for His divine presence in my life. Each temptation to reach out and eat brings is met with a surrender to God. 

However, fasting can relate to how we speak and act. Fasting from violence is what Dr. King repeats throughout his many discourses. Jesus talks of mixing old with new in the forms of wineskins and fabric. Being a teacher of history, I can honestly say that we as a nation need to fully examine the message of Dr. King. Mixing the old ways (or recently new ways of dialogue depending on who you speak) of with message of reconciliation and then lash out at others is not consistent with our the Gospel message.  We cannot say I am turning over a new leaf by not speaking negatively of those we don't agree with and then decide it only applies to certain people. 

Violence is not always that which is seen, it is that which harbored in my inner being. My actions and words may seem peaceful, but unless the anger and resentment which is seething under the surface is reconciled, sooner or later the seed which has been planted will come to surface. Jesus answers  in Matthew 18:22, when Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus replied, "seventy-seven times."

A radical change of heart is the only method of bringing peace and it begins with me as an individual. This change can happen by relying on the Gospel message of pouring new wine, the risen Christ, into  a new wineskin, myself, reconciled to the way of Christ. Thus in order to be new I must discard of the old cloak of sinful speech and actions and put on a new one. And as Dr. King so eloquently said, "Let us love one another, for love is God."

From I Did Not Know Him to He Is The One

St John Pointing to Christ
Bartolome Murrillo 1655

From I Did Not Know Him to He is the One

My journey to truly knowing Christ is one some may identify with. Yes, even though I am a cradle Catholic who completed my sacraments and attended religious education classes as a youth, I did not know Him. I did not understand the concept of the Trinity as well.

My understanding of Jesus was this; He was crucified and died for us and that He was part of the Mass. Quite elementary I guess. For me this continued much into adulthood. The doxology, "Through him, with him, O God, almighty Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit," was just a saying made by priest. Jesus was compartmentalized into being crucified and dying for our sins.

Even more troubling for this adult was that fact that my concept of God was that of the punisher which had its origins from Christian comic books I read as a youth. The world was on verge of destruction from wars and plagues. Always waiting to be struck down by the Zeus-like lightning bolt I lived in fear. God could not be loving as I reflected on some of fire and brimstone sermons that came from the pulpit during my youth.

How could I have any relationship with such a daunting entity who was at any moment going to zap me for the slightest infraction, who was also going to create havoc with those close to me because I sinned? Thus the seesaw battle raged in my mind. Good versus evil. If I sinned which I did quite often, there would be a punishment. Confession was of no use because I was not accepting of the fact that Jesus died for my sins and thus by me revealing myself I would be forgiven.

This spiritual dysfunction continued for many years as I increasingly became wary if there was indeed a God. Mass was just a obligation, prayers were just recitations with little connection to the meanings.

Through a series of life changing events this gradually changed. In Psalm 40 today, the words resonate with "I have waited, waited for the Lord, and he stooped toward me and heard my cry," as the psalmist recounts coming from the netherworlds to a new life in which one can praise God.
The response is "Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will." Key for me was and still is I come to do your will.  God is the One not me and my desires.

St Paul in Ephesians 4:17 declares, "you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds."  It takes little reflection for me to find truth in this.

Still understanding the Triune God is still a mystery for me. However, I have come to the realization that I can have a personal relationship with Jesus through prayer, reconciliation and receiving the Eucharist. My sufferings can be brought to Him for he endured life in human form, thus we are bonded. More importantly those faulty concept of who God has been dispelled through spiritual reading and guidance from my spiritual director who always make a point of telling me that "God loves me for who I am."  I also understand that the God is forever working in me when I am open to Spirit. As Isaiah states in today's first reading, "God is now my strength."

John the Baptist recognized that Jesus is the one. Even not knowing him he realized that through the Spirit Jesus was the one. I know now that He is one. There is no substitute, nothing can separate me from Him. However, it does not stop here. My relationship with Jesus is also carried out with others as well for if Jesus is present in me as I am not exclusive in that He is not just in me. He is in the relationships I have with others, as well as those I don't agree with or condemn. It is for me to find Him in others.

The songwriter composed the song, "There is a Longing," of which begins, "There is a longing in our heart for you to reveal yourself to us."  For some of us this is a gradual journey, others have found Jesus the One in their youth. For me this longing persists. Finally being a fan of 80's music I can't help but reflect on Depeche Modes "Personal Jesus" from my own faith perspective not the secular interpretation of the song.  The first (abbreviated) and second stanzas of song are as follows:

Reach out and touch faith
Your own personal Jesus
Someone to hear your prayers
Someone who cares
Your own personal Jesus
Someone to hear your prayers

I will deliver
You know I'm a forgiver 
Reach out and touch faith
Reach out and touch faith 
Your own personal Jesus
Someone to hear your prayers
Someone who cares
Your own personal Jesus
Someone to hear your prayers
Someone who's there

© Depeche Mode 1990

all glory and honor is yours, almighty Father, for ever and ever.

Hope in Brokenness

Hope in Brokenness

Mired in brokenness, enslaved there I sat

Unable to move chains heavy on the mat

Paralyzed unable to move ahead

Those sins of my past rendering me spiritually dead

Then some said to me "Now is the hour"

We have heard about this man with great power

Rise up let us go off  and see

Perhaps this man can set you free

They took me, my friends all four

Arriving, crowds at the door

Elevating me up and dropping me down

I came eye to eye with him, of the heavenly crown

"Son I see that you are quite sick," said he

Your sins are forgiven,  he proclaimed with authority

But I have more the man said, turning to those questioning his reason for being

Rise up, pick up your mat, go home so others may become believing

©Christian Miraglia 2017

So What Did You Do Today?

At the end of today's Gospel reading we see Jesus rising early before dawn to go out to a deserted place and pray (Mk 1:39). This was after previous long day of healing Simon's mother-in-law, countless others, and casting out demons from those so afflicted. All in a day's work so the saying goes. I harken back to the days when at the dinner table my young children would ask what I did on that day and complying I would detail the best I could in their terms my day at work. My wife and myself would then make a point of asking the children the same. Most of the time they were eager to talk about their day at school.  So where am I going with this?

First, to Jesus seeking the refuge of quiet in the early morning hours. The idea of getting up early is not all that appealing to many, let alone to find a quiet time to pray.  For me it is an imperative. Having a mind cluttered with the plans for the day and thoughts of previous days, I don't need any additional distractions. I need God and God alone.

Fortunately, my work commute requires me to rise early, not quite like the monks at the monastery that would I attend Sunday Mass as a child, but at an hour in which no one in the house is up and moving around. My time is essential to my very being. For the most part my interactions with those around me are shaped by my spiritual state of mind which in turn affects my mental and emotional stability.  How do I know?  It doesn't take much with a review of my day if I haven't taken the time to reflect, meditate and pray. Burst of anger, overreactions, and a whole slew of other maladies lay strewn throughout my day. A wreckage of sorts.

By no means am I saying that my day is perfect when I rise early to pray, but it is much better than the alternative.

Not knowing what Jesus said in prayers, but having some insight in that He made a point to give up His will to the Father is quite helpful for me as well. Sure I would like my commute to be perfect with everyone to driving safely and respectfully. I would also like my work day to flow perfectly without any confrontations or challenges. I would like to not snack so much and not to have any aches, pains and injuries that interrupt my quest to be a decent cyclist. Not quite God's will,  so my prayer must be like Jesus in effect, giving up  my will to the Father.

Setting my day before God and allowing his presence flow through me through the Spirit despite my tendency to want to draw out my own plans brings on some wonderful revelations. There is no coincidence in that upon my review of the past 24 hours that I can thankfully say that my day was a decent day. I may have had an opportunity to help others, or interact positively with an individual that I sometimes have problems with. I may have found more time to pray about situations and for others. There are so many graces that God provides daily when I find the time to spend in prayer early in the morning that I just can't enumerate them all.

Even though my children are grown, at least I can ask myself so how was your day? I did not heal anyone, but maybe a relationship. I did not cure anyone, but maybe brought some consolation. So how was your day? I am sure that with God's grace it went well. For me that all started with that time early in the morning in silence and in the presence of God.

You Are My Beloved Son/Daughter: Is God Really Pleased with Me?

"This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." the God's voice echoes from the heavens. Oh, how I wish it were that easy to accept those words. I find that in certain areas of my faith journey things come easy, such as the discipline of daily prayer, attending reconciliation frequently, attempting to live out the teachings of my Catholic faith. However, accepting that God is pleased with me and that He loves me is a constant struggle.

It is somewhat consoling that many others confront the same issue as well. Many theologians and great spiritual writers outline the very issue in their respective works. Just today in my reflection time I read a meditative piece (Magnificat, January) from Father Bede Jarrett, O.P in which details how he should never lose courage to continue on despite his frailty. His solution is to say to himself, "I am now his son." Our humanity bonds us with this dilemma. Still that doesn't reduce my struggle.

My spiritual director is quite direct in telling me the same, "I am a good person and loved by God." Yet here I am writing about this very topic.  Daily reflection on my actions continues to reveal to me the sinful actions I take over the course of the day. As  you can imagine, these are seemingly crystal clear. Other actions may take some more time to be revealed.  Perhaps, this is the grace of God working, knowing that I could not possibly handle all of the wreckage of my sinfulness at once. Only love can explain this.

The second part of the phrase, "with whom I am well pleased" is equally troubling. Is God pleased with me when I cause distress to those around me through harsh words or selfish actions?  I quickly forget that I am human when focusing on my own weaknesses. Yes, I have to deal with the defect of perfectionism quite often. Moreover, I forget that God gracefully has given me tools to overcome this insanity in using the Examen. Asking God for light to see the day through his eyes not mine, giving thanks for the day, reflecting being guided by the Holy Spirit, facing my shortcomings ( mercifully), and asking God for guidance in the day to come.

I am indeed his son because He sent his only Son to die for my me, to lift me up, to be an example of love that cannot be conquered. Upon contemplating Jesus on the cross and His forgiveness of the criminal next to him, what greater love can there be?  I will fail and fall again and again just as I will question my ability to be pleasing to God. However, it is certainly more consoling with God's grace and the guidance of the Holy Spirit that I will prevail over my sinful nature and lack of hope at time.

Journey to the Shining Star

Edward Burne Jones - The Adoration of the Magi 1904

Journey to the Shining Star

I traveled the road from a afar

seeking that which appeared as a star

The path itself full of peril

life itself seeming so very sterile

Getting closer to my destination

a new beginning beyond my wildest imagination

No gold, frankincense, and myrrh did I bring

just my sinful self to the newborn king

No words from his mouth did he say

only his glorious presence did God display 

It is here that I have found life at last

having wandered much an empty past

The One who would take my hand and be my guide

who would lead me through the land and cast evil aside

The paradox of it all, his life a gift to me

so that I may join him in eternity.

© 2017 Christian Miraglia

What Are You Looking For?

Image Attribution https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Still_Haven%27t_Found_What_I%27m_Looking_For#/media/File:Still_havent_found_cover.jpg

I can be very compulsive at times when looking for a misplaced item.  I am frequently asked, "What are you looking for," as I rummage frantically for my keys, lost paper and or bill.  Sometimes in my frenzied search I don't reply right away so then the question is repeated. Many times the item will be in an area that I already searched making me wonder what is wrong with my vision. Blindness of sorts I guess.

All of these incidents remind me to take a step back and reflect. Why am I so frantic in my search and why do I become so disconnected from who and what is around me? It is as if the end of the world will come if I don't find the item that instant.

Jesus poses the question to the two disciples that left John to follow him, "What are you looking for?"  Some of us have endured this question as life has taking us to unfulfilled dreams, escapism and immersion in a increasingly secular society, and finally emptiness that brings us to consider the question.

My favorite band, U2 released the song, "I Still Haven't Found What I am Looking For" in 1987 from the ever popular Joshua Tree album. For the sake of brevity I will not analyze the albums spiritual significance. The song details the travels that many take looking for purpose and happiness in life as it begins with the lyrics:

I have climbed the highest mountains
I have run through the fields
Only to be with you
Only to be with you

Subsequent lines talk of crawling and climbing walls, kissing honey lips, holding the hand of the devil, singing with angels, but ultimately not finding what they were looking for.   Those familiar with the group and lead singer Bono, know of the spiritual background of this song and many others as the seemingly endless quest to find fulfillment in this life.  The video release of the song reveals Bono and the group on the strip of Las Vegas meandering the endless throngs of slot machines and interacting with people along the way.   Temptations abound. The question of what are you looking for is quite apparent. The glitzy bright lights, the temptations of the flesh, the draw of the crowds, are the very same appeals that leave many with the unquenchable emptiness.

I think of my own path. Searching for what I thought was purpose in life was really the human desire to be recognized, to draw attention to myself, to bask in the light of pride. Once sucked into this never ending thirst of living only for myself,  "chained" as the lyrics state, it seemed there was no way out. I knew God existed, but was I willing to change my ways, "to have the chains broken and the bonds loosed" as chorus continues.

Many years later I find myself writing frequently about the God's seemingly endless graces. I can reflect on my path as I try to answer the question, "What are you looking for?" Through all of the messiness of life I think I can see a light on the path. Yes, the glory of personal success is appealing but short lived, as well as accomplishments by those close to me. Nothing is sustaining. Even by today's standards the desire for peace and harmony is only momentary are we are bombarded by news of terrorist acts and animosity in our own nation on an unprecedented scale.

This light is indeed Jesus, bringing hope through the promises of His words. The search for completion and wholeness goes on and as long as I am standing I am as Bono sings "I still haven't found what I am looking for." And yes I am still looking for those lost keys.

Who Are You?

A famous song from the Who echoes the words, " Who are you?"  The line is repeated seven times at the beginning of the song and later throughout the song.  The chorus asks "Who are you? I really want to know. Tell me, who are you? Sounds much like the Levites and priests in today's Gospel. They really wanted to know because this person, John, was drawing crowds and the attention of those in high places. "Why do you baptize?" John was asked. As we know his answer further befuddled those wanting to know his purpose.

Who are you can be applied to us as well. When asked most of us can easily provide answers based upon our family, work, and personal associations. The more challenging question is who are we as followers of Christ? Can one be identified in such a way by their actions and words? I like some, have traveled the long road of life that pertains to this question.

Much of my early life was spent trying to fulfill what I thought other adults wanted me to be. Although somewhat successful, but also very stressful, I encountered a lasting void. As a young adult I aspired to a successful teacher and coach with limited success. In marriage I attempted to become a good husband. Yes, I could be identified as Catholic by attending Mass every Sunday, but my words and actions were not consistent with the faith of my upbringing. The words, "who are you," were distant. Children brought an additional title, that of a father.  Still there was something deeply missing.

"Who are you? I really want to know," the voices in the song echoed.  It wasn't until some years later that one I had to come to grips with the fact that I was truly a sinner and that God accepted me as I was. No matter what facade I put on, who I tried to please, the lasting question would always be there.  That would change slowly through God's grace. Being comfortable in one's skin is a saying that stands out. Matthew Kelly refers to "being the best version of yourself." Humility is key here. Who would want to admit to their faults, to give up running the show? The idea of letting God be in charge is not one that I was comfortable with, but at the same time with a little reflection I saw that I wasn't a competent director of my own life.

All of these statements require acceptance of my own humanity, that I am not perfect (those who live with me can certainly attest to that),  and through prayer, meditation, and reconciliation, I can be truly identified by my Catholic faith.  Who are you? God knows, do you?

There is Need for Only One Resolution

BRIEF HISTORY OF RESOLUTIONS

Take out the list from last years resolutions if you can find it. What did you follow through with? Probably not much.  I don't make any resolutions because I find that I lose track of them anyway.  New Year's resolutions seem to be something we can feel good about by openly stating that we are going to lose weight, be nice to coworkers, exercise more, etc. Ancient Babylonians used the New Year to promise their Gods that they would pay back debts or return borrowed objects. And leave it to the Romans who would begin the New Year with sacrificial offerings followed by a period of partying.

Paul uses the phrase "When in the fullness of time," in his letter to the Galatians as he references the birth of Jesus. In this sense time has reached its climax for something new will appear. As we know the arrival of Jesus radically changed the world. We would be remiss if we ignored the meaning of this. Perhaps we have reached that point where it seems there is a fullness of time. It does not necessarily coincide with the New Year, but maybe something in our personal life that needs a change.

A resolution of sorts, but one with true meaning and intent. What I find interesting in all of these resolutions is that people attempt to futilely complete them without the help of God. It is though that only through human resolve that one can carry out their resolution(s). Then if they are able to complete the resolution they can announce it at the end of the year. How many did you hear last night? However there is one resolution which does some require effort (with God's grace) and will have a lasting effect, that of peace.  One person at a time can resolve to bring peace to their world. Peace in itself is love and what God longs for all of us.

PERSONAL GOLAS

In order to do so one must be at peace with themselves.  I find that New Year's resolution bring more despair than peace especially if one battles with bad habits such as overeating, not exercising enough, and a long lists of personal vices that seem largely unconquered. Accepting oneself and praying for God's grace is a step towards peace. Then the message then can be carried to others. Our daily actions are a reflection of this.

This year is the centennial celebration of our Lady in Fatima in which her message was devoted to peace. After a tumultuous year in our nation and around the world, this message resonates deeply with those familiar with her visitations. The year has ended and life seems to carry on as we see the tragedy in Turkey. It seems not much has changed. Borrowing from a line from St Augustine read earlier this morning in Father James Sullivan's reflection about Mary and the appearance at Fatima , ""Peace is not the absence of war, but the tranquility of order."(1) Although we feel powerless about the world beyond our reach we can surely bring some order (peace) to our own. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us.

1 Sullivan, James M., O.P. "The Fatima Centennial: Mary, the Mother of God and the Need for Peace." The Magnificat 18.11 (2016): 18. Web. 1 Jan. 17.