In the past few weeks, with all the challenges which come with being isolated, it has seemed important to take this valuable time to examine our ‘inner’ selves, where our ‘true’ self, our true ‘yearning’ lies at the core of our being, demanding more than our simple wants and desires.
Why focus here? Because this is where God is. “You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you.” We know God, because he is inside us! God is as close as our beating heart. But God is asking more of us than just complacency, more than contentment in knowing he is there. He is asking us to be engaged with him, to enter into relationship with him, … and with others! Now it is time we also looked at our relationships with those outside of ourselves, our fellow ‘spiritual’ beings. In an assembly at the seminary, we were once asked to share one word or idea which represented life in general. So, I said aloud, “Life is about relationships. Everything is relationship. The sun to the earth, flowers to bees, people with God.” Later, ‘Uncle Chris’, as I was affectionately called, became known as the ‘everything-is-relationship’ guy. Whenever a deep question was asked in class, someone was sure to answer, in jest, “Everything is relationship!”. Nonetheless, the more I recall this, the more I realize what Jesus is calling us to: Jesus wants us to enter into the relationship which he has with his Father who is likewise in relationship with the mystical nature of the Holy Spirit. This profound relationship gives us ‘true’ strength, comfort, and assurance of our resurrection. Jesus makes 3 important promises: 1) the Holy Spirit will be sent to help and guide us in our time on earth – which already happened on Pentecost 2) that he, himself, would return – as was already witnessed in his resurrection, and 3) that God and himself with the Holy Spirit will return to greet us at the end of time – which we anticipate with joy. He further comforts us by promising to be with us always: “I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live!” Yet, some may say, “But look at how much we are suffering; mental and emotional pain from worry over food, rent, mortgages, bills; many are seriously, physically ill. How are we to get through this? Are we to just keep our chins up, grin and bear it?” Jesus says what to do: “Love me, and keep my commandments.” Note that these are Jesus’ commandments: to feed and clothe the poor, bind up each others’ wounds, be kind and love one another; while God will provide for us in his will and wisdom. In a recent article, a very wealthy man was said to be extremely proud of owning three one-of-a-kind Bugattis. He said it was his ultimate symbol of achievement. But another article regarding achievement followed: about a billionaire, Chuck Feeney, who lived in the depression. After many menial jobs, with a hope and a prayer, he opened the first Duty-Free Shops. But he didn’t stop there. In the 1970s he created, “The Atlantic Philanthropic Foundation” which embraced the philosophy: “Giving While Living”. Over the years, such donations were made: Cornell Univ: 7M / Limerick Univ: 14.9M / Vietnam Govt & Educ: 381.5M / Ireland Govt, Science & Educ: 570M / South Africa (after Apartheid) Govt & Educ: 422M / Australia Govt, Law & Science: 368M / Bermuda Govt & Educ: 28M / USA: 3.1B. Chuck ensured every dollar was donated before his retirement. Before his retirement, the foundation had donated 8B dollars. Now 86 yrs old, he rents a modest apartment. Chuck has lived Christ’s commandments. We may not be able to give like Chuck Feeney, nor be able to volunteer, given many are in isolation or hardship, but we do have the capacity to give each other love and kindness. We are called to be Christ on earth. St. Teresa of Avila once said, “Christ has no physical body on earth without us.” Christ desires us to be his hands and feet, his heart and compassion here on earth. When we embrace Christ’s love of the Father and the Holy Spirit, we become his saving body here on earth, working in loving relationship with him, and God in us, for the good of all. This is true achievement in life: our investment in God and in each other. Because life is Not about things! ‘Life is about loving relationships’, because “Everything of true meaning, everything is relationship.” Rev Fr Christopher Tracey, Pastor Saint Joseph Roman Catholic Parish Saugeen Shores, Ontario
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Father's Blog
Rev. Fr. Christopher Tracey
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