What do we know of Jesus in the flesh?
Jesus lived simply by the work of his hands: working
with wood, carrying nothing for the journey as he walked throughout the land
spreading the Good News while relying on the generosity of others, reaching out
to those in need of healing, breaking bread to feed the hungry…
Jesus listened
intently to the guiding voice of his parents, Mary and Joseph, the Voice from
heaven saying, “You are my Beloved,” heeding the poor in the marketplace, conversing
with the Father in prayer under the star-filled sky, responding to the distress
of women, being astounded by the faith of outsiders…
Jesus loved freely gathering the children into his arms,
cleansing the Temple, yearning to gather together the people under his wings like
a mother protecting her brood, sharing the cup and bread of his Life with his
disciples, on the ground praying in the garden, stretching his arms out on the
cross, lifting his hands in blessing while being carried up into heaven…
How are we, the
people of God, enflesh Jesus?
We are to live simply doing the work given us which
provides a balance to our life of prayer; distinguishing our needs from our
wants as we prepare for our move, humbly accepting the help of others, sharing
with those in need…
We are to listen intently to the insight of each other with an open and patience heart not being quick to judge or find flaw as we glean the collective wisdom of the community during this time of transition.
We are to love freely looking to one another’s needs,
speaking the truth respectfully, praying and opening our hearts to the transforming
power of the Spirit enabling
us to put aside the self in order to clothe ourselves in Christ as we live out
in ourselves the Paschal Mystery and coming together rejoicing
in harmony with one another.
All these grace-filled qualities are all around us, rekindling the fire in our
hearts to a deeper living of our call to be transformed into the Living Memory
of Christ. By using our gifts and
strengths, and offering our losses and weaknesses, we give over our complete
selves to the mystery of the work of salvation for the life of the world – just
as Jesus did while he was in the flesh.
