Dear Parishioners,
What a fascinating look at the Mystery of Jesus presented to us in this beautiful verse of the First Letter of St Paul to the Corinthians! It shows us the difference between the “earthly” nature and the “divine” nature. We partake in both, thanks to Jesus, who was indeed “true man and true God.” By nature, we are born human; by Grace, we are born to Eternal Life.
St Peter goes so far as to proclaim that we are made “participants in divine nature.” But this path is not a human path of enlightenment. It is not gifted to us through secret knowledge. It does not belong to gurus and other humans who claim to possess the power of divination or magic. To become like God, we are led through the narrow path and the small gate. We follow Jesus in the way of charity.
As Lent approaches and we are invited by the Holy Spirit to intentional discipleship, let us come forth to meet Jesus in our prayer life and in the frequent reading of His Word. There are still so many who say they are Catholic but, unfortunately, have missed the opportunity to know Jesus in the Sacraments and in the powerful Word of God.
Don’t waste the chance to come close to Our Lord. He is “the life-giving spirit,” meaning not only is His Human Soul full of Life, but this Life is pouring forth into everyone who gathers here to be close to Him.
Examine your heart. Why are you here at Mass? Is it not because of Him? Just to be in His Presence? Why be content with a physical proximity to Christ? Why not open up your heart to Him—without reservation?
We are not content with being “living souls” like Adam. We are here to be molded into Christ, “the life-giving spirit.”Our journey in this world is not complete until we have been fashioned by Jesus to live this beautiful life He has poured into us. Filled with the Spirit of the Lord, we are also called to give our lives to one another. Anything less than that leaves us as lonely souls—alive, but without Christ.
Say yes to Him and open your heart for God’s Son to dwell in you this Lent. Say to Jesus:
"Lord Jesus, I am here because I want to know Your love. I open my mind and heart to Your Spirit. Come, Lord Jesus, and flood my soul with Your Love, that I might become fully alive in You. I trust in You and surrender my soul with confidence and peace."
Amen!
Fr. Sean-Mary
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