by Sister Carolyn Zahringer
Today's Solemnity of Christ the King ends the church year. How have we lived our moments, minutes, days, weeks and months? We look forward in hope to a new "beginning" with the approach of Advent. Will the new year we receive, day by day, be different?
Peter Maurin (co-founder of the Catholic Worker Movement) has been quoted as saying: "The future will be different if we make the present different." The "NOW" moment, our today, is really all we are certain of. Yesterday is history, the future is a mystery. Now is what we've been given to make a difference.
The Gospel for this feast challenges us to evaluate how we live our gift of days. Our personal choices either help or hinder the building up of the City of God in the here and now. Are my eyes/our eyes capable of seeing Jesus present in those in need?
Carrie, you shared a powerful reflection. It is a great challenge for me to live in the present, to be fully alive in the NOW moment. I like Peter Maurin's quote very much.
I love this reflection. It's something I myself have been thinking about a lot, but you put it very succinctly. My mother always says "today is all we have," and I have become more and more aware that MY job is to live each moment the way I would like the world to be. The world won't be changed unless individuals are changed--and that means ME!
Carrie--Your message is so pertinent and one that I need a daily reminder of. Keep focused, it says. Have a happy and peace-filled Advent.