Reflection for January 5
In today's gospel we see Jesus starting His ministry with the very words people heard John the Baptist say: "Repent." We later see Jesus fulfill the prophecy that said, "the Messiah will be a light to the land." Many would agree that right NOW we long for a "great light" in our land, seeing so much confusion, violence, strife, our share of "lunatics," many possessed and wracked with pain. As Christians we must rise up. We KNOW Jesus is "the Way." As followers of Christ, it begins with us; we lead the way. Where to start? Perhaps we begin today with the same message as when Jesus and John gave it: "Repent."
Repentance is defined as a change of mind, a "turning away from sin" and a "turning toward God." As followers of Christ, we are to turn away from self-centeredness and self-control and open to turning our lives to Christ’s direction and control. What can be tricky for us is, it is easy to get distracted. We don't have to look far to see others who we feel need to repent— i.e., change their minds, turn away from sin, and turn to God. And the truth is, we are often right to want this. How do we help others change? What is our part in bringing more Light into our land (families, communities, world)? As Christians it begins with us. As a follower of Christ, I help lead the way.
Maybe I begin by asking myself...
Am I taking the time to say "thank you" to God, acknowledging His power and presence even/especially amongst the challenges and negativity? How often do I lead with Praise?
Do I check within regularly? How much time do I spend reflecting on my own thoughts/words/behaviors and where I may be self-serving versus God-serving?
Am I "asking" God? How much time do I spend praying/inviting Him into a given situation/concern? Do I stop talking, wait and listen? Or do I throw out a mediocre or non-existent prayer and charge ahead assuming I know best. Do I ask "Is there anything You want me to say? Instructions You have for me? Anything You want me to change?”
Even when I am "right," it doesn't mean I am going about things His way or in His timing. It is important to remember we "wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world" (Ephesians 6:12).
I want to be careful I am looking for Christ's direction and control. I want Him at work within my own heart, within my family, community, and world. It is He who is capable of immeasurably more than all I think to ask or imagine.
"Search me O God today and know my heart, test me and know my anxious thoughts, see if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting…”
Gina Flanagan