Empty hearts and empty wallets!

The change of weather often causes us to have a bit of a spring clean. We open up cupboards that have been closed up for winter to look at what is inside. This can cause us to go on a bit of a binge in throwing things out right, left and centre. We can wonder how we end up with so much so stuff and whether it actually achieves the purpose for which it is intended. After we have gone through this period of frantic activity there can be a tendency to return to patterns that were there before.  We can often buy things too quickly and spend money too easily believing it will bring is satisfaction. After the splurge we can be left with empty hearts and empty wallets.

Could I suggest that just as we undertake a Lectio to listen to God’s word spoken to us through scripture we can adopt the same approach to our purchases? If we feel empty inside there can be a tendency to fill that emptiness with a product which seems to feel our greatest desire. Advertising can seem to speak a language of fulfillment rather than engagement. It is good to sit for a while in prayer for the word or the product which seems to want us to buy something new. However, when we come to a place of stillness we can see what can truly bring us joy and hope. Sometimes we already have the resources close at hand in our own minds and hearts. The truth emerges from the inside out and allows us to seek what is truly needed for this day. God can speak to us in our everyday activities and what will truly bring us life.

Man proposes, God Disposes

In the “Imitation of Christ” written by Thomas A Kempis he says, ‘For the resolutions of the just depend rather on the grace of God than on their own wisdom; and in Him they always put their trust, whatever they take in hand. For man proposes, but God disposes; neither is the way of man in his own hands.’

In our own time we have become very reliant on our own ability to make decisions. There is a sense of personal autonomy when we are responsible for the decisions that we make. However, there is also a sense in which when we make decisions solely for ourselves we can lose a sense of corporate responsibility for each other. If we only make decisions for ourselves how do our lives have an impact on each other? If our moral sense is based solely on what we decide is good, how can we allow room for others? Where does God fit into the picture?

In the encounter with Jesus that we have experienced through the readings of John 6 we are left with the question hanging about who it is will lead our lives. Many of the people who heard Jesus speak were confronted by a reality which we encounter each week in the Eucharist. A person who calls us to enter into relationship with him. This is not about us forming Jesus in our own image and likeness but allowing us to be fashioned into God’s image and likeness.

The greatest gift that we can receive is one that is freely given

The greatest gift that we can receive is one that is freely given. In a world we are often told the price of everything but the value of nothing. Where everything is reduced to an economic price we can miss out on what is central to life. We can start to worship the means of exchange rather than what is exchanged. Our lives become increasingly cluttered up with information and with stuff we have accumulated. What we are offered in Eucharist is so simple and so direct we can be tempted to ignore what is on offer and who it is that is being offered to us. In Eucharist we are called to a direct and personal relationship with Jesus. As St Francis de Sales says, “Prayer is the means by which we ascend to God; the sacraments are the channels by which God descends to us.” We are invited to enter into that personal and direct relationship through going to Mass each week, by receiving communion and by spending time in quiet adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. If we allow Jesus to be at the heart of all our relationships then our life can be transformed by his real presence which brings life to the heart of the world.

Who do I believe?

There are times in life when we are called to believe in something or someone. It can emphasize what will shape our lives and how we will spend our waking hours. The relationships that we develop out of that believe impact on our families, our community and our world. However, so often our relationships are shaped by the opinions of others rather than a carefully considered dedication of ourselves. In busy lives this can be quite easy because we are moved too easily by soundbites and by catchy headlines. However, to develop any relationship means that we have to risk something of ourselves for the good of the other. It is not just about what I want but what assists all people to grow in relationship with each other.

Jesus challenges us to see God as wanting to develop a relationship with each of us and to grow communities which are life giving and wholesome. Communities which are built on a life giving relationship developed in prayer and action. He calls us to walk with him and accompany each other on the journey. Each day we are called to reflect what provides food for the journey. In our Christian lives we are called to hear Jesus speak to us through scripture and through our own experience. To reflect together as a community on the way we live that for the good of others and not just ourselves. Are call to believe in the Creed is a missionary statement which sees God send us out with Good News to our world.