This passage, Luke 17:7 came to mind the other day when I was reflecting on something that I think is not uncommon among Christians as they grow in their faith . . .
Seems like the more you desire holiness and begin to embrace various faith practices, i.e. prayer, devotional reading, Mass, it is easy to be fooled into thinking you are ALL THAT when it comes to being a Christian. The more we do, perhaps we secretly hope others will notice and think of us as being holy.
If you have fallen into that trap--caught between the recognition of your imperfection and a growing awareness of righteousness--this passage in Luke is the perfect solution to counter your growing pride.
Jesus gives us the bigger picture when he tells the story of a servant who comes in from plowing or tending sheep. As he continues to tell about the servant, it becomes very clear that the servant is just doing what he is supposed to be doing. He's not getting a lot of credit or special attention for it. It's just his responsibility and he is fulfilling it.
When we begin to fight pride as our faith practices grow, we would do well to remember this story. For, as disciples of Christ, any movement toward God--in our speech or our practices--are what we are supposed to be doing. And the motivation and capacity to do them comes from God, not ourselves.
Spend some time reflecting on this if your pride is being puffed up. If you secretly like being noticed for your growing holiness or you act in certain ways just to get noticed.
It is good that you are moving toward God, but do not let yourself be fooled into thinking you have become outstanding--above others--in your holiness.
Everyone is called to holiness and God is opening the door for you. Walk through it. Cherish it. Be grateful for it and most of all, appreciate it for the gift that it is.
God bless,
Janet
Friday, April 2, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
Miley Cyrus on faith
Ugh. I was reading in Parade (March 21, 2010) the young actress/singer, Miley Cyrus' take on religion. Popular from her Hannah Montana television series and her famous father, Billy Ray Cyrus, this 17 year-old gave her opinions about faith.
Here's what she was quoted as saying in Parade on this subject:
"My faith is very important to me, but I don't necessarily define my faith by going to church every Sunday. Because now when I go to church, I feel like it's a show. There are always cameras outside. I am very spiritual in my own way. Let me make it clear, though--I am a Christian. Jesus is who saved me. He's what keeps me full and whole. But everyone is entitled to what they believe and what keeps them full. Hopefully, I can influence people and help them follow the same path I am on, but it is not my job to tell people what they are doing wrong."
Okay, being 17, I'll give her a break, but I think her viewpoint is one which has been adopted by many young people in our culture today--and it is not good. Not at all.
If you are a Christian--a follower of Christ--than you pay attention to what he did when he walked on this earth. One of the things he did was leave a model for us of community. He spent time in community with his followers. He never indicated that a "me and God" attitude was the rule. He never talk from a relativistic viewpoint that said as long as you are satisfied, than all is good.
Jesus taught about suffering. He showed us what it means to love. His life revealed sacrifice. He certainly did not live with a "me" mentality, separated from others in worship and prayer.
I could say a lot about this, but I really can't say it any better than my sixteen year old--If she really wants others to follow her in following God, then she should go to church. Then, when everyone sees her there, maybe they'll go to church as well.
God bless,
Janet
Here's what she was quoted as saying in Parade on this subject:
"My faith is very important to me, but I don't necessarily define my faith by going to church every Sunday. Because now when I go to church, I feel like it's a show. There are always cameras outside. I am very spiritual in my own way. Let me make it clear, though--I am a Christian. Jesus is who saved me. He's what keeps me full and whole. But everyone is entitled to what they believe and what keeps them full. Hopefully, I can influence people and help them follow the same path I am on, but it is not my job to tell people what they are doing wrong."
Okay, being 17, I'll give her a break, but I think her viewpoint is one which has been adopted by many young people in our culture today--and it is not good. Not at all.
If you are a Christian--a follower of Christ--than you pay attention to what he did when he walked on this earth. One of the things he did was leave a model for us of community. He spent time in community with his followers. He never indicated that a "me and God" attitude was the rule. He never talk from a relativistic viewpoint that said as long as you are satisfied, than all is good.
Jesus taught about suffering. He showed us what it means to love. His life revealed sacrifice. He certainly did not live with a "me" mentality, separated from others in worship and prayer.
I could say a lot about this, but I really can't say it any better than my sixteen year old--If she really wants others to follow her in following God, then she should go to church. Then, when everyone sees her there, maybe they'll go to church as well.
God bless,
Janet
Saturday, March 20, 2010
No need for church?
I came across this great quote of St. John Chrysostom in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (Paragraph 2179):
"You cannot pray at home as at church, where there is a great multitude, where exclamations are cried out to God as from one great heart, and where there is something more: the union of minds, the accord of souls, the bond of charity, the prayers of the priests."
This quote is a great reminder for anyone who is tempted to think they do not need to attend church. For anyone who thinks it is just between "me and God." When we attend church, we do indeed cry out to God "as from one great heart." How important it is to join our brothers and sisters, in our "union of minds!"
Together, Christians praise and worship God. May our voices continue to become one, beautiful, harmonious offering to God!
God bless,
Janet
"You cannot pray at home as at church, where there is a great multitude, where exclamations are cried out to God as from one great heart, and where there is something more: the union of minds, the accord of souls, the bond of charity, the prayers of the priests."
This quote is a great reminder for anyone who is tempted to think they do not need to attend church. For anyone who thinks it is just between "me and God." When we attend church, we do indeed cry out to God "as from one great heart." How important it is to join our brothers and sisters, in our "union of minds!"
Together, Christians praise and worship God. May our voices continue to become one, beautiful, harmonious offering to God!
God bless,
Janet
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