NO ROOM FOR SELF-ASSURED COMPLACENCY
If we come to know
ourselves well we realize that, like the Church, we all need constant renewal
and transformation.
In today's first reading from the Book of
Sirach, it seems as though we are listening to a Lenten message! If we come to
know ourselves well we realize that, like the Church, we all need constant
renewal and transformation, and not simply during some special season of the
liturgical year. It seems as though we always have something that challenges us
or some nagging fault that still needs to be overcome. It could be our temper,
our mood swings, materialism, and so on. We come to know that we need to reaffirm
our commitment to some good work that we've agreed to do and remain faithful in
our prayer life.
Complacency from our commitments can happen
very easily. We all need the energizing, loving power of God, the Force driving
us to make a difference in our world and in our community. Through the Word and
the Eucharist we receive abundantly from God. We are touched by His Spirit,
which helps to sustain us for an affective life and ministry.
In the Responsorial Psalm we acclaim,
"Blessed are they who hope in the Lord" (Ps 40:5a). In this hope we
are like a tree planted near life-giving water, which yields its fruit and
prospers. For the Lord watches over us all!
May we have humble trust!