Changing Direction

08-11-2019Weekly ReflectionFr. Bing Colasito

In the Gospel, Jesus teaches us to make a radical decision to change the direction of our lives. He urges us to go beyond mediocrity and self-preservation and take the path of true commitment. He wants his disciples to be on fire, neither cold nor lukewarm, but like a burning coal.

How real is our faith, and how deep is our commitment to God? Many Christians fall into the habit of complacency and mediocrity. They are good at watching things at bay. They belong neither here nor there. They are also self-appointed commentators when it comes to everything and everyone, but end up having nothing to do with everything and everyone.

St. Francis of Assisi changed direction and he shook the lofty 12th century Church with his humility and simplicity. Changing direction is the experience of being “born again” in our faith journey. Being born again with honesty, and with all humility, and accepting our limitations, our failures, our weaknesses, and our sinfulness. Embracing the truth that there is nothing we can really boast of, except the cross of Christ. We need to embrace the cross in our lives, and trust the Lord more, and trust ourselves less. So that we are purified and strengthened. Lastly, we need to participate more deeply and more truly in His mission.

Let our change of direction, our journey lead to the heart of Jesus. In this journey, God may seem hidden, but in truth He is always there to be with us. In this journey, are you a traveler or a pilgrim? A traveler is off for good fun, expecting comfort and maximum success, and enjoyment. Relies on her/his own resources and strength and does not care much about other travelers. A pilgrim, on the other hand, sets out for a journey that is mapped out by someone or something greater than her/him. A pilgrim is patient and trusting and is in tune with his fellow pilgrims. For a traveler, the journey is all about going far and fast. For a pilgrim, the journey is all about going to the heart of Jesus, people’s hearts, and our own heart. Let us not go away from the Lord too far or too long. All roads should lead to Him in the end.

Thoughts for the journey:

• “God will sometimes break the strongest bone in your life when you think you are very strong, so that from then on, you will say that the strongest part of you is God not your career, not your family, not your friends, not your special someone, not who you are, but God.”

• “Many people pray to be kept from unexpected problems. Some people pray to be able to confront or overcome them. The wise man in the storm prays to God not just for safety from danger but also for deliverance from fear.”