Monday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time
“… new wine is poured into fresh wineskins.”
The newness which the Gospel of Christ Jesus brings us is a continually new invitation to allow ourselves to be changed. This is conversion, the metanoia. The Holy Spirit calls us to it. It is a call into new levels of intimacy with the one who seeks to tell us how we can share in the love between the Father and his Son.
We had a fine example of it in St. Antony the Great, whom the Church remembered on January 17. His life was written up by St. Athanasius. In his account we have a fine account of what is good for us seeking to be converted to the newness of the Holy Spirit in our lives:
(Anthony) subjected himself in sincerity to the good men whom he visited, and learned thoroughly where each surpassed him in zeal and discipline. He observed the graciousness of one; the unceasing prayer of another; he took knowledge of another’s freedom from anger and another’s loving-kindness; he gave heed to one as he watched, to another as he studied; one he admired for his endurance, another for his fasting and sleeping on the ground; the meekness of one and the long-suffering of another he watched with care, while he took note of the piety towards Christ and the mutual love which animated all.
Simply put, when we come to holy communion why not ask our Lord to give us an openness to the good examples of sincere desire for conversion we witness, which we can accommodate to our lives?
Reflection by Fr. Xavier Nacke, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections