In office environments, it’s common to make copies of documents. Sometimes, when someone is in a rush, instead of beginning with an original document, one may copy a copied document; it works, however it may lose its sharpness, have extra splotches and ultimately become less clear than the original. If the pattern of using a copy of the copy continues, the next generation of copies will become less and less discernible.
Sometimes we can do the same with our faith; Lent is here again … let’s copy what we did last year. Fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Abstain from meat on Fridays. Go to Confession. Stations of Cross. Give up ______. Start doing ______. Blindly copying what we did last year, we can blur the whole purpose and our faith may become unclear.
To prevent that from happening, it’s important that we begin anew each time from the original source: (Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 1:12-15; Luke 4:1-13).
Christ entered into His 40 days of prayer and fasting in the desert to prepare Himself for the mission. Jesus entered into our suffering humanity to pay the full price of our sins and give us access to His heavenly kingdom. He let go of the things of this world (fasting) such that He could more fully unite Himself to the Father’s Will.
How can we develop a deeper and richer image within us such that we can convey clearly the Good News to others? Look to the source, Christ Jesus, then seek to copy Him.
Jesus does only what the Father tells Him. Therefore, Christ immersed Himself in prayer with the Father; He prayed in quiet, secluded places, but He also prayed together with His friends, and in the synagogues. Likewise, we too dedicate more time during Lent to listen to where the Father is calling us. Filled with the richness of these prayerful encounters, Our Lord shared that relationship with others.
Jesus traveled to different places to bring healing touch to those who were struggling. He fed those who were hungry and abandoned. He spoke the Truth to those who were wandering astray.
When we are enriched through our encounter with God in prayer, we are to allow that grace to overflow to others through almsgiving. Providing for those who are in need of words of encouragement, a listening ear, a helping hand or some financial support.
Copies are meant to be shared with others, so when we receive from the Original source, we are to pass it on to others.
At times, the copier may jam, preventing the Original from being passed down to others. Is there something blocking us from receiving this Original gift fully and clearly? That blockage is what we are to remove or give up from our lives.
Jesus invites us to repent; to turn away from that blotch of sin and to turn back toward God. At times, our sins may be ingrained within us because we’ve developed a bad habit or we’re surrounded by others who encourage those same harmful habits.
If possible, it’s of great benefit to turn away from those harmful influences and seek positive influences that will help us achieve our goal. Another helpful action is to enter into smaller sacrifices to build up the strength to let go of what’s truly holding us back.
May we not rush into Lent without thinking, copying what we always do. Instead, may we look to our original source, Christ Jesus, and seek to receive and transmit what He desires us to do so we can receive and proclaim the Good News clearly.
By Father Michael Mullins, Pastor of Sacred Heart, Palmerton.
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