Jan. 8, 2016: Friday after Epiphany
Jan. 8, 2016: Friday after Epiphany
The Ripple Effect
During this Epiphany season it is fitting that we keep our eyes focused on the Christ--the One who both proclaims and is eternal life. For, as the author of the First Letter of John reminds us, we who believe in Jesus the Christ already participate in eternal life here on earth.
Just as the leper in today's Gospel was forever changed by his encounter with Jesus, our belief in Christ changes us significantly, brings us into a new relationship to God, others, and even oneself. Consider the moments when you have had glimpses of this change, this new reality: when you moved from an adolescent belief about Jesus to following his way and putting the needs of others first; when you married and together with your spouse made an intentional commitment to work in a soup kitchen once a month; or when, perhaps on a retreat, you were finally able to let go of a destructive pattern of behavior. Taking these small steps can have a ripple effect on transforming our life and touching the lives of those around us.
Luke doesn't tells us what followed for the leper. We can't help but wonder what life was like for him after he was healed. Did his belief in Jesus grow? Did this grace of healing--his participation in enteral life--bear fruit? Did he "pay it forward"?
The same challenge to believe--to choose life--holds true for us. Today's Gospel is an invitation to ongoing transformation that bears rich fruit daily.
-Sr. Pat Parachini
Give Us This Day
The Ripple Effect
During this Epiphany season it is fitting that we keep our eyes focused on the Christ--the One who both proclaims and is eternal life. For, as the author of the First Letter of John reminds us, we who believe in Jesus the Christ already participate in eternal life here on earth.
Just as the leper in today's Gospel was forever changed by his encounter with Jesus, our belief in Christ changes us significantly, brings us into a new relationship to God, others, and even oneself. Consider the moments when you have had glimpses of this change, this new reality: when you moved from an adolescent belief about Jesus to following his way and putting the needs of others first; when you married and together with your spouse made an intentional commitment to work in a soup kitchen once a month; or when, perhaps on a retreat, you were finally able to let go of a destructive pattern of behavior. Taking these small steps can have a ripple effect on transforming our life and touching the lives of those around us.
Luke doesn't tells us what followed for the leper. We can't help but wonder what life was like for him after he was healed. Did his belief in Jesus grow? Did this grace of healing--his participation in enteral life--bear fruit? Did he "pay it forward"?
The same challenge to believe--to choose life--holds true for us. Today's Gospel is an invitation to ongoing transformation that bears rich fruit daily.
-Sr. Pat Parachini
Give Us This Day
