By Zoe Cannon
Gratitude for the Gift of Faith
“We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching every person with all wisdom, so that we may present every person complete in Christ” (Colossians 1:28).
Developing a mature and deep relationship with God is a lifelong process. It requires emotional stability and obedience. In other words, moving in faith and growing with humility, self-control, love and discernment.
In each phase of life, we learn different ways to comprehend truth. Societal norms and spiritual needs are rooted in everything we do. God designed a perfect plan to help us grow in wisdom. The family home is our first community; it is where we learn to love and protect one another. Our spiritual home, the Church, provides the grace and strength we need to be complete in Christ.
To realize our true potential, we must know our Creator and his love for us. While being reprimanded, children might say, “That’s not fair!” What is unfair is not loving someone enough to tell them when they are offending God. There is a reason Jesus told his followers they must change, become humble and trust like little children to enter the kingdom of heaven. Seeking total dependence on God is challenging in a sinful world. Relying on God for salvation is as important as a child’s dependence on their mom and dad for life sustaining protection.
My life is filled with stories of people who have taught me so much about God’s love, typically through their trials and suffering. In each encounter, I am reminded of past experiences, similar circumstances, but often different outcomes. God needs us to witness to one another with purpose, truth and love.
St. Thomas Aquinas defined truth as the correspondence of intellect, where the mind conforms to reality. Wisdom be attentive, because our actions, or inaction will have an effect on others!
My husband and I met a young man 25 years ago while ministering in a maximum security prison. For 17 years. we witnessed in John a true contrition and accountability for his actions. He lived the gospel message in prison with those he shared time with. Through those years of catechesis and ministry, John realized his need to forgive those who failed him as a child. He knew if God was going to forgive him, this needed to happen first. We continued to keep in touch after our ministry at the facility ended. This faithful servant completed his sentence and is free to begin anew. He was released last week into a very different world than the day he was imprisoned. Being part of his journey required one thing: To help him know the love of God.
Our Father who art in heaven — we thank you for your kingdom and may thy will always be done — on earth as it is in heaven. Every life is precious in the eyes of God. Forgiveness is reciprocal and with humility we must first forgive others before we ask God to forgive us of our sins. Be mindful of this truth: God is all-knowing and remember nothing is impossible with him! Amen!