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In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
In the end. This afternoon I went to visit a woman whose body is slowly coming to an end. Her daughter spoke beautifully about her. As I was leaving their tiny apartment, she asked me if there was anything else that needed to be done. I told her no. But then I added, "Stay by her side and let her know how much she means to you. If I were dying, I would like someone to tell me I made a difference in their life, that I was a good person, and that I will be missed."
Isn't that what matters most?
Knowing Jesus is one thing; being another Christ is another thing. In fact, I am convinced it is the most important thing since even the devil knows who Jesus Christ is.
In the beginning. Typically, when something comes to an end (or we complete it), something else or new begins. Take for example a relationship. If one ends, it is not uncommon for another to begin. So too it is with the years.
Goodbye 2013. Hello 2014.
St. John's Gospel begins where the Book of Exodus ended: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."
Life on earth is remarkable. Its beginning and end are clearly defined. However, what is not so well defined is who we are as individuals. Who am I? Do I even know? Do I even care?
We may think we know who we are, but we may actually find ourselves surprising ourselves from time to time, especially when we are placed under certain conditions and circumstances.
Let's get to work. For this reason, a new year offers everyone a wonderful opportunity to start again by chipping away at sin and putting on Christ. As St. Paul tells us: "Put on, a God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection" (Col 3:12-21).
What an offer? Who could refuse? You might be surprised! I, for one, find this difficult. So I gotta get to work!
Every time (every hour and every day) I put on Christ the Lord comes back to earth! He does so through us.
"...to those who did accept him he gave them power to become children of God...And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father's only-begotten Son, full of grace and truth."
Happy New Year!
I would like to tell you now that you have made a difference in my life. When you are dying, I will tell you that you have made a difference in my life, and when you are in Heaven, I will still talk to you and tell you how you have made a difference in my life. I started reading this blog in 2010. On many occasions, the message jumped off the page striking my heart with a Holy Spirit moment. No matter what is bothering me now, I just search on the search tab and re read all your posts for that word. The blogs new and old continue to heal my mind and heart and bring me closer to God. I wonder when you die, if these posts will remain on the web? I wish someone would put them all in a book and publish them. YSIC. Love you and Happy New Year!!
ReplyDeleteFather, I know you weren't "fishing" but this is the perfect opportunity to thank you for bringing me closer to God. From your homilies at St. Joseph's that always seemed meant for me to this blog, you are greatly appreciated! However this connection ends, you will most certainly be missed!
ReplyDeleteSandra H.
You're right Sandra. I wasn't "fishing." I think what I wrote: "That I was loved, that I made a difference and that I will be missed" applies to all of us. In the end, it is our vocation to love and be loved, and there are a billion holy ways to go about that. :)
DeleteHappy New Year, Father Alfonse!
ReplyDeleteI hesitated to post a comment. Your words are beautiful as always. How do you handle seeing people die and presiding over funerals? How do you keep a dry eye? It must be so difficult. I guess you get used to it. It's wonderful to know a better life awaits us in heaven.
I don't want to even THINK about you dying anytime soon! (Oh my gosh, the tears and sadness...Yikes.) You have too much the Lord still needs for you to accomplish!! When the end does arrive, thousands of people will miss you. I'm sure your words will still remain on the Internet (and in recordings) to touch the lives of future generations.
Blessings,
-Jennifer
Would anyone like to share some New Year's Resolutions???
ReplyDeleteYou've just given me an idea for a new resolution! I will try not to miss opportunities to tell people how much I appreciate them. Thank you for getting me started!
DeleteYou've just given me a great idea for a new resolution! I will try to not miss opportunities to tell people how much they mean to me. Thank you for getting me started!
DeleteHow about reading this blog everyday? I think you should consider self publishing a book of your blogs....maybe that's a good resolution for you.
ReplyDeleteMy new year’s resolution is to fall back in love with Christ. There has been something that I have attached myself to these past few years. I need to not hold on to it so tightly. I still want to hold it close to me, but I have put it above my love for Christ. I didn’t even realize how much I was loosening my grip to God. He does work in mysterious ways, and if I am not alert to His whispers, I can so easily lose my way. All I seek is union with God, again. Even if it was just moments with Him, that is all I desire.
ReplyDeleteIt is going to take conscious work, as you said. But I have great hope all because of Him. He provides all the graces! I just have to live consciously in each present moment, absorbing that grace, realizing that each thought, each action is moving me closer to or further from Him.
Seeing Him (Truth) in each encounter, in each circumstance: That is Reality! …not so much the actual happenings of this world….which are only the raw materials He uses to try to get through to us!
Thanks for mentioning the stars yesterday! It was a chilly but beautiful evening last night with so many bright stars, so I took advantage of it and said my ‘new year’s resolution prayers’ under His sky.
I also prayed in thanksgiving for you. Thank you for giving us part of your life through your writings.
I now understand.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I have to hear things in different ways to finally get it. We each have our own way of thinking. Only now do I understand what you were trying to say.
Happy 2014.