pilgrims in another culture.
But finally and most profoundly, the call to be a pilgrim is to live in Christ through the Spirit in counter-cultural ways. In step with the
kingdom of God one is out of step with the dominant values of our world. Thus, one is always a pilgrim, even though one remains right where one lives and works.
Thought
The life of a pilgrim marks one for conversion, movement, resistance, and suffering.
1 Corinthians 7:17
January 12
The One Life of Faith
There are not two significantly different ways of living the Christian life: as a monk or as a “lay” person, for example. We may have different vocations and callings, but we are all called to live the one Christian life.
St. John Chrysostom once made the observation that “those who live in the world, even though married, ought to resemble the monks in everything else.”12 This helpful reminder points to the fact that there are not two forms of spirituality with one being higher than the other. Monks by virtue of their vocation are not superior to a Christian artist or business person seeking to live in fidelity to the gospel.
All Christians—whether monk or business person, whether clergy or artist, whether a member of a religious order or a farmer—are called to love God and serve their neighbor. All are called to worship and prayer. All are called to community and participation in the sacraments.
Love is to characterize all. Obedience to the way of Christ is the call to all. To live in the power of the Spirit is the invitation to all.
But we have different gifts, different vocations, and different settings in which we are to live the Christian life in all its textured richness. As Christian’s live their differing vocations this allows for the gospel to shine in all its varied colors and allows for Christians to be salt, light, and leaven in our world.
Thought
There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism. There is one Christian life lived out in the diversity of our world. And whether one is a monk or a
Christian politician, all are called to the service of God and to love of neighbor.
1 Samuel 20:17
January 13
Friendship
Relationships lie at the very heart of what it means to be
human. And to have companions on the journey is the extra gift that makes life rich and meaningful.
That our Western emphasis on autonomous individualism has left many people isolated and bewildered should not surprise us. Despite this, the hunger for relationships, friendships, and community continues unabated.
To have friends, therefore, is a great gift. And while God can be one’s most special friend and one’s spouse can fill that role, other friends are also needed.
Friendship can’t be demanded, it can only grow. Friendship can’t be manufactured, it can only come as a gift. Thus, friendship is so often the great surprise. But this surprising gift needs careful nurture through
presence, attentiveness, availability, and care. Friendship can die as easily as it can spring into being.
St. Aelred of Rievaulx, drawing on St. Augustine, writes that friendship means “to converse and jest together, with good-will to honor one another, to read together, to discuss matters together, together to trifle and together to be in earnest; to differ at times without ill-humour.”13
Such a friendship, which includes fun as well as sharing the journey of faith, can be a sacrament of the friendship of God with us and can be a sign of what a good world should be like—a world of companionship rather than one of isolation and competition.
Reflection
Those with companions on the journey can be the builders of a newer
tomorrow, for in the gift of solidarity lies the hope of creating a better world.
Romans 8:12–13
January 14
God the Source of Life
It is one thing to acknowledge our need of God’s grace in the radicality of our sin and brokenness; it is another to see our need for God when we think we are doing well.
At the time of one’s initial conversion one is often gifted with profound insight. Things are seen much more clearly, both in terms of who God is and who we are. God is seen as blinding light. We are seen in the rags of our sinfulness. Over time this sharper vision begins to blur. We often begin to see God less clearly and begin to think too much of ourselves, our piety, and our service.
St. Augustine puts all of this in a much clearer perspective. He writes, “For when I am wicked, to confess to thee means nothing less than to be dissatisfied with myself; but when I am truly devout, it means nothing less than not to attribute my virtue to myself.”14
This way of seeing things need not be an unhealthy self-deprecation. Virtue in the sight of God is not self-produced but grace-induced. It is the Holy Spirit doing his renewing and beautifying work in us. We live and act graced by the goodness of God.
While we are called to cooperate with the Spirit, we are not the source of goodness. Goodness is the fruit that the Spirit grows within us. Thus, God is to be praised rather than we should lapse into self-congratulation.
Thought
God alone is the life-giver who makes me whole. Therefore, God’s grace is the source of goodness rather than mere human self-effort.
2 Timothy 4:7
January 15
The Long Journey of Faith
The beginning of the Christian journey needs to be deeply rooted in the grace of Christ. Its long continuance needs a similar source. The Holy Spirit needs to sustain us.
Living the Christian life well is not to be a solo hero. Instead, it is all about being sustained by the goodness of God. And it is all about companions on the journey.
St. Ignatius writes, “I am only beginning to be a disciple [of Christ], so I address you as my fellow students. I needed your coaching in the faith, encouragement, endurance, and patience.”15
This is a surprising call in the midst of a hierarchical culture where the bishop or the teacher was above the need of others. This humility in this early church father follows the humility of Christ. Christ called
companions to be with him. They were with him in his earthly mission. He needed their prayers in the dark garden of Gethsemane.
We need to be marked by the same humility. We need others to
accompany us; others to teach us; others to nurture and encourage us; and others to be patient with us. The Christian life is lived in community. It is a common journey with brothers and sisters in the faith.
The Christian life is, therefore, so much more than merely attending church. It is building a life together with family and friends for a common journey of faith.
Thought
Let me thank God this day for the companions he has given me for my faith journey. Let me be thankful for those who teach, nurture, challenge, and encourage me in the way of faith and in living life well.
Galatians 6:14
January 16
A Different Way
Christ’s way was out of step with both the religious leaders and politicians of his day.