Deacon
Tom writes,
“Lighten the Load”
If you have taken a flight to go on vacation lately,
then you know how difficult it is to get everything you need packed into your
suitcase and not go over the 50-pound limit to avoid the surcharge. Sometimes you
just can’t do it, so you have to leave that extra sweater or the additional
pair of dress shoes you packed… just in case!
I wonder if the Magi had that problem. They didn’t
know how long their journey would take nor what exactly they would need along
the way. There was only so much that they could bring with them and there were
no shopping malls along the way. They had to pack wisely if they wanted to find
the one whom they were searching for, the newborn King of the Jews.
This journey of the Magi that announces the Good News
of God’s salvation to the entire world invites us reflect on the journey of our
lives. The Magi’s story prompts us to ponder the direction of our lives and asks
us, “What it is that we are looking for in this life”? What is the object of
our hearts’ desire that is driving us forward each day and that will completely
satisfy us when we find it? Most of us recognized that our lives are so busy
and cluttered at times that we often neglect those important things that give
us the most joy and happiness. Suffering from that same condition, I have been
asking myself what are the essential, absolute necessities I need to enjoy life.
It comes down a single word…relationship. Relationship with my family, friends,
and God are what matters most to me at this stage of my life. Perhaps the same
is true for you also.
There are so many activities that contribute to the
busyness of our lives that don’t contribute to the quality of our lives, nor do
they lead us to what is most important, a deeper relationship with those around
us and God. If the choices we are making aren’t leading us to deeper, more
profound relationships, then, these are the things we need to leave behind,
just like we must leave some things behind when we pack for the airport. Life,
as we are often reminded, is full of choices…and not all of them are good.
I hope that 2016 will give us all the opportunity to
lighten the clutter of our lives and enable us to concentrate on improving the
quality of our lives – spiritually, mentally and physically.
May God, who sent his son to be numbered among us,
direct our hearts to his so we may experience the fullness of joy in this life
and in the one to come. And, may God bless you and your loved ones in the new
year, this very timely Year of Mercy.
Enjoy the day!
Deacon Tom
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