To live the Christian spiritual life is to live a counter cultural life. Jesus’ blueprint of that life is summed up in the Beatitudes. It is not what our culture holds up as being successful. Like Jesus’ goal, our goal is not of this world. It involves a Christian hope that ends happily even as we experience many challenges and “deaths.” Like Jesus we will rise to new life in this world and in the next.
As we live in this world, who has our back? Who and what gives us the support we need to live this counter cultural life? Do we have fellow pilgrims who are journeying with us? This is the grace of living in a Christian community. This is certainly the benefit of those who have been called to religious life. This is also one of the graces afforded to lay people who join religious as Associates. No matter what is going on in the world, that support remains faithful as we witness the lives of those with whom we walk on this pilgrimage to the “new Jerusalem.” Prayer, community, and service are qualities that will lead us in the right direction. Jesus said, “Where two or more are gathered in my name, I am in their midst.”
- Do you recognize that living a Christian life goes beyond the motive of competition?
- What do you most need to live a Christian Life?
- Who supports you in this quest?
O God, give me the support I need to live a full Christian life.