The January 2, 2022 Issue of Our Sunday Visitor Catholic newspaper had a number of well-written articles, but I noticed they seemed to be asking a question: What are your priorities, and should you consider a re-focusing this new year --- although none of the articles actually asked that question.
With the January 2nd’s Feast of the Epiphany, an article spoke to the Magi --- the three kings of the Orient, and their visit to another king, Jesus. They saw Jesus as the Messiah, the long-awaited king of the Jews, and the world. They longed to see and pay homage to Him, a greater king than themselves. But there was also Herod, who also saw Jesus as a greater king than himself, and so tried to kill Him. The Magi were concerned about God and the world, and Herod, himself.
The newspaper also had an article about families. It quoted a survey which said 44% of adults 18-49 don’t intend to have children, and half of them cited “not interested” as the reason. The article spoke to the many blessings of family, and the author gleefully noted: “I can’t imagine life without mine.” She also wrote “we have had the privilege of co-creating with God.” She notes that the world is a better place because of their family, although admits that sometimes family concerns are challenging. But she sees that as a good purpose for her life, versus getting more things for herself.
And there is an article titled: You Don’t Have to Prove Yourself to God. In effect, those first two articles were comparing our priorities, the world or self. This third article brings in God as a major factor in our lives. The first two articles said what do we prioritize, world or self, while this article asks: What does God prioritize? God looks at our lives as “beautiful in their existence. It can be tempting to call our lives mundane. We can slip into daydreams of how we wish life would happen (the author cites Walter Mitty’s daydreams), but it can take us away from encountering the people and opportunities that are right in front of us – seeing the graces already present in our lives. Each moment is an opportunity to encounter God in the present…. I think we can all agree 2020 and 2021 didn’t go as anyone planned, but that doesn’t mean we can’t take a step back and recognize that every moment is a gift. This upcoming year can be good, if only we would have the eyes to see it.”
God died on the cross for us, but that doesn’t mean He died for every whim of ours. He wants us happy in eternal life with Him, not happy here on earth like some little puppy that He pets. He came as a baby, and grew up, and lived for the really important things, love of God and love of neighbor. As God, He could have done all kinds of things for love of Himself, but those are things like Herod did, or the people who don’t believe children or marriage important did. Jesus lived humility, but He also lived love. He didn’t become a man to try to act like a god. That shouldn’t be our priority either. Perhaps as we begin a new year we might consider priorities, as they are, and as they should be. It’s never too late to change.
- - - - - - - - - -
Almost as an “Oh, by the way …” I just thought of how my priorities HAVE changed. I once was the person who put self as my highest priority. Oh, I did lots of things for other people, but behind everything, job, marriage, charity work, was a driving force that said “You’re supposed to do this; this will make you a better person; this will make you happy.” I was doing many right things, often in the right way, but for the wrong reason. I needed to change who I was, and I DID change my priorities. It started with a little prayer, “Lord, let me live not as I want, but as You want.” Nothing changed overnight, but I began to like myself more. I was becoming who I was meant to be. I didn’t perceive it most of my life, but I had a priority on what I thought, or the world (other people) thought, but I’ve gradually been growing in a concern for what God thinks. And I’ve got a long way to go. But I think I’m looking in the right direction.
No comments:
Post a Comment