The Introduction
In our search for clarity, we don’t have to look far. As the mystics would say, look within: The Spirit of Truth dwells in you. It was obvious from the start that the disciples, left to themselves, would be seized with confusion, as indeed they were from the time Jesus was arrested. Jesus had travelled with this gang for a long time, so he understood their limitations very well. If he left them completely, there would be no church; there would be chaos. So he promised a Friend Spirit to be their guide until eternity.
Clarity is not a typical state of mind for humans, one must admit. We weigh the pros and cons. We flip coins. Some of us angst, some look at horoscopes, some ask everyone advice and then take none of it. Sometimes, our only decision is to procrastinate until the decision is made by default. But there’s another way for Christians to find their way: by consulting the Spirit. Discernment is a gift to the church. It works especially well in community. Pray. Ask. Listen. See.
What is your usual method for making decisions? What criteria do you use in choosing? What role does faith play in your choices?
Practice clarity and discernment. Start by memorising the corporal and spiritual works of mercy (you used to know them!) and exercising them regularly.
The Scripture (John 14: 28)
Jesus continued, “You’ve heard me tell you, ‘I’m going away, and I’m coming back’. If you loved me, you would be glad that I’m on my way to the Father because the Father is the goal and purpose of my life”.
The Story – What’s Heaven Like?
What’s your image of heaven? Years ago, the editors of U.S. Catholic magazine conducted a survey of their readers’ notions of heaven. Many respondents pictured heaven as a rural setting such as a walled garden, a mountaintop cabin, or a haven in the forest. When asked to comment on the results, church historian Martin Marty said that a culture’s image of heaven says a lot about its current situation. Because ours is becoming an increasingly urban culture, heaven for us is what seems just beyond our grasp – a natural retreat from the rush of daily life in city or town.
But when the Book of Revelation was written, a nomadic, farming culture looked to the shimmering city as their heavenly ideal. Majestic, rising from the plains, shining in the sun, the city captured the imagination of the people as a place of promise and joy.
For each of us, our idea of heaven likely holds a clue as to what’s missing in our life. For most modern families, that “something missing” is peace and serenity. Jesus offers us peace, a peace that surpasses our understanding. The way to it is simple, but not easy. It’s to love the people we encounter day by day. If we do that with all our hearts, we’ll know what Saint Catherine of Siena means when she said, “All the way to heaven is heaven”.
The Reflection
In the old days crossing the Atlantic in a tiny sailing boat left everyone at the mercy of the wind and waves. How those old wooden boats rocked about! People not used to the rolling of the boat could not walk on deck. Many had to spend most of their voyage below deck. Everything that could be was fastened firmly down to prevent it from being washed overboard. Today’s journeys are a great contrast. Waiters can carry soup and children can play on deck. People lounge in the sun and hardly notice the rising and falling of the waves.
Even in a storm the main body of the ship remains relatively calm – all because of the unseen gyroscope that maintains the balance of the ship. We have been offered the power of peace and calm in our lives through the presence of Christ. Do we accept this offer or neglect it at our peril?
The Commissioning
As we align our vision with God’s vision,
the past comes into perspective and the future is clear.
Know joy, pardon and peace, as you begin in a new way.
Know the peace of God. Confront your fears.
Know the peace of God. Be ready to forgive.
Know the peace of God. Speak out for truth and justice.
Know the peace of God. Follow Christ who brings lasting peace.
This is our true calling. Thanks be to God! Amen.
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