Sunday Musings

     


                                                        11/06/2022

    W.H.R.,

    (Whoever Happens to be Reading)


    Praised be Jesus Christ!

Due to unrelated circumstances, I went to Mass last night rather than this morning. I sat a few rows back from a beautiful family (whom I’ve met before, though I’m ashamed to admit I don’t remember their names). All of the children were well behaved, and a few were even enthusiastic! One of their little boys was sitting at the very end of the pew, closest to the center aisle. Every time one of the songs to the Mass setting (the Gloria, Holy, etc.) started, he’d start pretending to play the piano on the rail. He was careful not to actually touch or pound on the rail, but if he was at a real piano, he could have played quite the tune! 

I love to see families at Mass, especially young families. And I especially love to see children being children during Mass. By that, I don’t mean misbehavior. I mean innocence! Holiness isn’t something that you're born with, though of course there are exceptions. As we grow and mature, it is something we learn to practice, but how can we ever know the fruits and beauties of holiness if we are not exposed to it from a young age, before the world has time to make its impression on us? 

I can think of a few people I’ve met throughout my life, particularly in my early years, who served as an example of holiness. Had I not known them, or anyone like them, I would not have had a witness of the goodness to be found in following Christ.

But then, isn’t it our duty in turn to be a model of Christian faith to others? Not only for ourselves should we strive for holiness, but also for others, who Christ might lead, through our example, to Himself. He desires all to be with Him, and our desire should be for His desire, for we know that God’s will is perfect and good. In it we will find our own peace and joy. 

Sometimes, when my thoughts lead me in this direction, I have to wonder how I can practically apply them to my life? It’s discouraging to make a resolve to be charitable and then the next thing you know you speak a short word, or put your own will before another’s. But while we must make an effort, I wonder if perhaps we also must leave room for Christ to work within us. We can’t really do it all on our own. If we truly remain in Him, and He in us, our thoughts, words, and actions, in a sense, will be His. How beautiful! That He would work in little creatures like us…

Wouldn’t it be ungrateful to reject His help? His grace? His love?

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