|
From the Priest-in-Charge
AS WE REFLECT on all that has happened in the past year
(terrorism in New York and Washington, war in Afghanistan, and
discord here in the Diocese of Washington) and look forward
with fresh hope to the new year, the oft-repeated phrase, "but
we have to live in the real world," comes to mind.
It is understandable for people to despair when we witness and
experience what seems to be unending pain, suffering, anger
and malice, both in the world at large, and in our personal lives.
It is easy to believe that this is what it means to live in the 'real
world', and that we just have to accept it. But is this the real
world? Or is this so-called 'real world' just a distortion of mind
created by the Father of Lies to prevent us from participating in
the coming of the Kingdom that Jesus spent his life to show to
us?
This Prince of Peace we talk so much about at Christmas time, is
he real? Or is he just part of the Santa Claus phenomenon... we
do have to live in the real world, don’t we? This Jesus, this
Prince of Peace, tells us that this so-called ‘real world’ isn’t
reality at all--that it is God’s reality that matters, reality that
breaks in every time we do the impossible and live by his rules:
when we pray for our enemies, when we forgive those who’ve
hurt us, when we do good to those who treat us with scorn. He
has promised us that we can share in his life, but do we believe
him? We have to choose between two Fathers, the Father of
Lies and the Father of Truth. Jesus had to struggle with this
choice throughout his incarnation. “If you are the Son of God,”
was Satan’s taunt in the wilderness and on the cross. Now we
are being taunted, and the world is watching.
As this new year begins, let us test the reality of our faith.
Whom have I hurt and who has hurt me? Have I asked for
forgiveness and am I ready to forgive? If I am a Christian, this
is not an option--it is an obligation. Jesus came into the world
to show us the meaning and the cost of forgiveness; and he has
given us the awesome responsibility to put his message into
action. Let each of us pray the Lord’s Prayer very intentionally
and act accordingly. “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive
those who trespass against us.” Let us begin afresh this new
year.
“O hush the noise, ye men of strife, and hear the angels sing!”
|
