One of the major
problems in the spiritual life is our attachment to our own self-image—either
positively or negatively created. We confuse this idea of ourselves
with who we actually are in God. Our ideas about things are not the
things in themselves. Concepts of themselves are not immediate contact with
reality.
Who we are, and
forever will be, in God, is a much more enduring and solid foundation. As Paul
says, in my paraphrase, I no longer live as a mere “I,” but Christ lives in me
and I live in Christ (Galatians 2:20). God always sees his
son, Jesus, in me, and cannot not love him
(see John 17:22-23). What the Gospel promises us is
that we are objectively and inherently children of God (see 1 John 3:2).
This is not a
moral worthiness that we attain; it is ontological, metaphysical, and
substantial worthiness, and cannot be gained or lost. When this given God-image
becomes our self-image, we are home free, and the Gospel is just about the best
good news that we can hope for! What a good word with which to face this dark
time of winter; and a happy word for our friends in Australia and South Africa
who are beginning their summer.
Prayer:
Come Emmanuel, God with us!
Come Emmanuel, God with us!