Memorial of St. Neumann, bishop
St. John writes, “We have come to know and to believe in the love God has for us.” Faith takes root and people are transformed when they come to a “heart knowledge” of this reality of God’s love. I have seen it again and again in spiritual direction and in the lives of my friends—a real belief in God’s love is a transforming force in our lives. I’m speaking of a love that is personal and foundational. Until we experience and receive such love from God, we might be following God, but we are still living trapped in fear, in doubt, and in the prison of our own insecurities.
Some people live as if faith in God is an extracurricular activity, an option of one among many, and as a result, their faith doesn’t speak to the core of their lives. Faith is still disintegrated and compartmentalized, as something I do on Sunday, but nothing more. Faith rarely takes hold under such circumstances, nor does it become so intimately tied up with life itself. Sr. Ruth Burrows reminds us that “Prayer is not just one function in life, not even the most important, it is life itself. We are only truly living, truly and fully human when our whole life is prayer.”
We will always be enslaved to doubt and fear unless we trust completely in God. The disciples were terrified when they were tossed about as they rowed on the sea, but Jesus enters into their fear and says, “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid.” When he entered their boat with them, the wind died down.
Reflection Question: How would you live your life differently if you truly believed in the Lord’s love for you?
Reflection by Fr. Paul Sheller, OSB
Posted in Articles for Christmas, Daily Reflections