First Reading: Wisdom 2:12, 17-20
Second Reading: James 3:16-4:3
Gospel: Mark 9:30-37
How would you describe your spirituality? Would you say: I pray the rosary, the chaplet of Divine Mercy, novenas, go to Mass and Confession regularly? Do you think that’s a solid spirituality? Do you think that is what spirituality consists of?
Spirituality is a journey, a process, lasting a life time: a journey that begins at Baptism, where we begin our life in the Holy Trinity and we hope the end will be our entrance into eternal life with the Holy Trinity. Our spirituality is formed through many people sharing their experience of Jesus Christ with us, some explicitly and others in a less obvious way… priests, deacons, religious sisters and brothers, parents, godparents, relatives, school teachers and many others. Think for a moment of all the people who had the greatest influence on your growth in the Catholic faith.
Spirituality is putting our faith in action… serving the needs of others. We are not to have the same self-ambitious spirit as the disciples in today’s gospel. James tells us in today’s second reading: “Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every foul practice.” (Jm3:16)
Spirituality is dying to selfishness, to our own ways and allowing the life of the Holy Spirit to grow and grow within us. Jesus’ words to his disciples: “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” We grow up always trying to be the best, number one in sports, school, at work etc…while we strive to be and do the best we can – it’s for the glory and praise of God.
Spirituality is being aware of God’s action and allowing God to act in the circumstances and people in our life.
Spirituality is not just about oneself – but to be lived in our family, our workplace, our community our school and in our church.
May God bless us always!
Deacon Mike