“Live in such a way that all may know that you bear outwardly as well as inwardly the image of Christ crucified, the model of all gentleness and mercy. For if a man is united inwardly with the Son of the living God, he also bears his likeness outwardly by his continual practice of heroic goodness, and especially through a patience reinforced by courage, which does not complain either secretly or in public. Conceal yourselves in Jesus crucified and hope for nothing expect that all men be thoroughly converted to his will.” (St. Paul of the Cross)

The quote above reminds us of that what we do is who we are and what we do is a reflection of our inward unity with love. And this is God’s hope, that we may all be what we do and have the inward unity of love…this is what Jesus did and does in our life and the life of every Christian.

But here is the struggle of the Christian life, we are called to actively pursue but at the same time to rest in the peace of Christ. We are challenged to live our faith boldly and heroically and also to wait upon the grace of God is fill our hearts.
“We do not obtain the most precious gifts by going in search of them but by waiting for them. Man cannot discover them by his own powers, and if he set out to seek for them he will find in their place counterfeits of which he will be unable to discern the falsity.” (p.73 Simone Weil from “Waiting for God”)
The temptation in my life is to move before I pray. To make plans before I consult God. To think I must work harder for Jesus rather than to work with Jesus in this time and place. When I am tempted to do this I miss the narrow road, the open gates and the invitations to be with and take the short cut and seek to climb the fence and hop over into the field rather than walk the way of the Cross of Jesus Christ.
I can name a hundred instances (just in the last month) where I put the cart before the horse rather than taking time. I know as I read Sacred Scripture and even a spiritual book that I can tend to fly ahead rather than take my time in prayer and allow the words to soak into my soul. And yes, I can often offer my own two cents into a conversation without really thinking about what is dribbling out of my mouth or if my opinion is truly necessary or profitable in the conversation.
As St. Paul of the Cross reminds us, to be converted to the will of Jesus is to begin to allow him to speak in our hearts and then in our mouth. And this requires a active prayer life involving the time of silence and contemplation to be able to hear the word of God and see His work in front of our eyes so in this we may begin to emulate and participate in this work.
“Don’t forget that Jesus never works alone. He invites you to share in his magnificent labor of love and its rewards. He has a special role for you, a part for you to play in this drama of salvation and all you have to do is say “yes.”” (p 33 Matthew Leonard from “Louder than Words”)
Just as Jesus invited the Twelve and the many other women and men to work alongside him in his earthly ministry, he continues to invite us to the same work, never alone, within the Catholic Church the Body of Christ. Knowing Jesus, is knowing his Bride the Church. The special role begins with the gift of life where we then follow him by listening, sharing and acting in the image of his ministry on earth. Are we willing to hear his invitation, say “yes” and then move forward? It must be in that order or we will ultimately follow the false and counterfeit idols of this world.
God Bless
Fr. Mark