By Zoe Cannon
Gratitude for the Gift of Faith
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
St. Paul preached about the importance of community everywhere he traveled. His message to the Thessalonians was to live in peace because the day of the Lord would come like a thief in the night. He emphasized that salvation of mankind was preordained by God.
Our society is filled with confusion and conflict concerning every aspect of life and truth. Surrounding myself with the company of like-minded family and friends makes life easier, but sometimes I feel as though my world keeps getting smaller. Is your circle of confidantes shrinking too? We tend to discuss issues with those we know will agree with us. But, in direct opposition to the duties of a Christian community, we also find it easier to talk about someone to others, rather than speak directly to the person we struggle to enjoy. Too often, we think the “other people” are the ones doing things wrong … right?
We have witnessed the faith and obedience of great saints and prophets throughout salvation history. Even the holiest of men and women snuck away from people and the busyness of life to be fully present to God. Religious individuals beginning in the third century began living a monastic life; these hermits followed a practice that began with the Desert Fathers in early Christianity. They were seeking a closer relationship with God through isolation and self-discipline, and they often lived alone in caves.
St. Benedict of Nursia began his monastic life as a hermit but realized the difficulties of a solitary life and the need for community. He wrote the rulebook for monastic life — a balance of prayer and work. The Benedict Rule is strict with a theme of obedience as the first step to humility. We must realize that pride is the enemy of humility and only in humility do we recognize the power of something greater than ourselves — God.
The most fascinating examples of asceticism are found in the medieval monks called the Stylites; they engaged in intense self-denial by praying and fasting for long periods of time without lying down. In this fourth century practice they would climb to the top of tall pillars to isolate themselves but remained accessible to those seeking their guidance. They kept an eye on the happenings of the world below from their lofty perch but distanced themselves from people they felt weren’t living righteously.
In the Advent Season, we focus on hope with the birth of Jesus Christ. Despite the distractions of our busy schedules, we must find time to reflect on this miracle to the world, and our gift of salvation. Jesus is God’s preordained plan for our eternal life. Enjoy this season by seeking God with humility, and do not be concerned or affected by what other people may say or do. We can build one another up as brothers and sisters in Christ and still be present to God in community. The world we live in is big enough for everyone, and the Universal Catholic Church offers the grace we need to love one another as Jesus loves us! Until he comes again, offer encouragement and peace to the people in your life. Amen!