Becoming what we worship

“Let us see whether His words be true; let us find out what will happen to Him in the end. For if the righteous one is the Son of God, God will help Him and deliver Him from the hand of His foes. With violence and torture let us put Him to the test that we may have proof of His gentleness and try His patience. Let us condemn Him to a shameful death; for according to His own words, God will take care of Him.” 

These were their thoughts, but they erred; for their wickedness blinded them. (Wisdom 2:17-21)

Lent draws to a close soon and next weekend is already Palm Sunday. Some of the things given up for Lent are good to take back into practice…those who participate in Exodus 90 will be looking forward to hot showers again! But most things given up for Lent should be let go permanently. In God’s perfect design, 40 days of abstinence is sufficient to start a lifelong change.

This is also a time to reflect upon how we have changed in relation to God. There are certain human flaws that seem to be passed down through our spiritual DNA. Arguably we are all people who believe in following His commandments. But are these followed for His sake or our own? The bible teaches us to not compare ourselves to others and think of ourselves as holy, for we will surely find ourselves superior to them in some ways. We make an idol of ourselves. St. James warns us that in judging others we make ourselves judge as if we are God (James 4:11-12).

Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands. Their makers will be like them, and anyone who trusts in them. (Psalm 115:4, 8)

It begets the question: Do I want to look Catholic or be Catholic?

There was an old saying that “You become what you eat”. The food is taken into every cell and impacts the body and brain alike, shaping it. In a similar manner, we also become that which we worship as it forms us to its image. Although created in the image of God, we grow to resemble these false idols instead. Worshipping idols of the world, we risk losing our future inheritance of Heaven by grasping that which tempts us now. This is why Jesus provided us with guides for the journey, particularly the angels and saints.

Mother of God, Your soul was plunged into a sea of bitterness; look upon Your child and teach her to suffer and to love while suffering. Fortify my soul that pain will not break it. Mother of grace, teach me to live by the power of God. (Diary of Saint Faustina, 315)

Before the world began Jesus, the Word, embraced us. He sent angel Gabriel to announce His plan for our redemption. At the moment of His mother’s “yes”, His Incarnation, we each became the focus of His love and knowledge. Before we were conceived, He knew us. He died so we could be with Him for eternity. Through all of this, He left us His mother to guide us along our journey.

Just as He chose the virgin Mary to be His and our mother, He chose Joseph to be His foster father. Joseph was entirely consecrated to Mary and Jesus, growing in virtuous perfection. Through his loving dedication to them, Joseph fostered the redemption of the whole world. Jesus wants us to permit Joseph to foster us as well. Hence, we have had a week that begins with Joseph and ends with Mary; inseparable in love on earth and in Heaven.

Jesus has prepared a place for us in Heaven too. At our Father’s appointed time, He wants to take us to Himself so that we may be together with Him for eternity. Until then, we must do the works He has given us and live as He has taught for us, so that we may also bring others to salvation.

Yet even now return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the Lord, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love, and relenting in punishment.

(Joel 2:12-13)

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam 😊

(Images: Holy Family by Andrea Del Sarto from Web Gallery of Art; man looking in mirror from Pexels.com)