Deacon Tom Writes,
“Lighten the Load”
The Epiphany of the Lord, Year C
As difficult as it was in the past to take a flight to see the kids or to go on vacation, it has gotten much worse since the arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic. The additional testing is another level of frustration on top of those airline regulations that have routinely irritated us. I refer to the 50-pound weight limit for our baggage which, if you go over, you get dinged $35 or $50 penalty. Perhaps you have seen people pulling items out of their check in bag and stuffing them into the carry on to avoid the penalty. If you are smart, you use your scale at home to avoid such a scene at the airport. In that case you might be confronted with the difficult choice of leaving behind that extra sweater or the additional pair of dress shoes and if push comes to shove, and you can’t decide, oh well, you are just going to have to pony up the extra bucks!I wonder if the Magi had trouble packing all they needed for their trip. 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 like there is today. They had to pack wisely if they wanted to find that special object they were seeking, the infant King of the Jews.
This journey of the Magi that announces the Good News of God’s salvation to the entire world invites us to reflect on the journey of our lives. The Magi’s story prompts us to ponder the direction of our lives and asks us, “What is it that we are looking for in this life”? What is the object of our hearts’ desire that is driving us forward each day; what is that “special thing” that will completely satisfy us when we find it? Most of us recognize 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. Relationships with my family, friends, and God are what matter 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…some are good, and others, well, not so good.
There is no doubt whatsoever that we have been in challenging times these past two years brought on by this world-wide pandemic. Worse, it continues to evolve and infect people at an alarming rate. It has changed many people’s lives in ways that were unthinkable as 2019 came to a close. It has created this immense “work from home” workforce; it has changed how people shop, where they shop and what they buy... if you can get it; it has changed the education system by transitioning from classroom to virtual educating, and we have virtual doctor’s visits. Some people are wearing masks, getting vaccinated...and boosted; there are those who are avoiding large indoor gatherings... Yes, it is a different world today and we have all experienced many changes in one way or another. And that includes spiritual matters. Our churches are open for the most part with few restrictions. But many people still avoid attending for fear of getting Covid themselves or infecting their immunocompromised loved ones. Again, all a matter of choice. As I said, some choices are good.... and others, well, not so good.
The choice I hope all can agree upon as we enter into 2022 is our own individual need to make better spiritual choices in the New Year. By that I mean, to choose to spend more time in prayer, more time examining our conscience to see where we need to make some changes in our attitudes or to identify areas where we just aren’t living up the teachings Christ taught us, those difficult things to do like forgiving others, not judging others, stopping gossip or overcoming our skepticism over so many things. As our lives have been turned upside down in many ways because of the pandemic, perhaps we can use the time going forward to delve into our spiritual lives and toss out any baggage that is not leading us into intimate communion with the Heart of God.
May God, who sent His only Son to “dwell among us,” help us to accomplish this in the New Year. And, may God bless you and your loved ones in the days to follow.
Enjoy the day and a very Blessed, Holy, and Happy New Year to you and your loved ones.
Deacon Tom
Image Credit: Epiphany_Three-Kings_reyes
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