What is holding us back from being our true selves? Could it be the pressures that we feel
from the culture that is so much a part of our lives? In the American mystique we have the
notion of the “self-made man or woman” when in reality no one is an island unto themselves.
Many have come to believe that we alone can take full credit for the success we have
achieved. What about the people who have played a significant part in our lives or the
situations over which we have had little or no control? There is much in our lives that comes
to us as a gift. The true self acknowledges this.
In speaking at Queen Elizabeth’s funeral, the archbishop said that what makes a person
memorable is not power or prestige but the service he or she had rendered for the common
good. This was true of Queen Elisabeth with hundreds of thousands of people wanting to
honor her for her service to her country and to the world. Each person can play their part in
the overall benefit for the world. It is in our relationships that we can make our unique
contribution.
Jesus wants us to respond to his call to accept and receive the talents of others as well as do
our part in building up God’s kingdom. The greatest gift we can give is ourselves. If we have
experienced God’s unconditional love and that love has turned into joy, we will make a
difference. “They will know we are Christians by our love.”
• What is holding you back from being the person you would like to be?
• Who are the significant people in your life?
• How does your relationship with Jesus affect your feelings about yourself?
O God, help me to be more open in my relationship with you.