“BLOOD-CLOTS” NEED NOT APPLY

As one hymn has it:

“We're going with Jesus, walking together
Over the path He has trod;
And up every mountain, down every valley
We walk along with God.”
 
            I am increasingly convinced that our personal striving to live out Christ is absolutely APOSTOLIC. By our Baptism into Christ and, hence, into the    Mystical Body, we are all intimately CONNECTED. So that whatever good we do, we are “life” to the whole Body just as in every sin we commit, we are like “blood clots” in the Body.
            The 24/7 conscious effort to be “life” for the Body is a response to God's good grace to turn from self to fix our focus on being Christ in the here-and-now, and this FAITH-CHOICE ripples beyond ourselves to our brothers and sisters, our fellow sojourners, in the Kingdom.
                Thus by an angry word checked, an impure thought nipped-in-the-bud, the “flame of gossip” frozen in its track, a suffering offered up, forgiveness given, a thankful heart expressed, we channel similar graces to others. This urges us to be SAINTS drawing souls to Jesus!
            This came home to me during my last visit to Nigeria. On the way to an Adoration Chapel, I was accosted by a six-year-old boy with his school bag strapped on his back. I thought he would want to take my hand as many children do but that was not his interest. He had something to share, but not being conversant with the language I just awkwardly shook his small hand instead and continued on my way. Ushered into an already full chapel, I was given a seat in the back. But what to my surprise, in a few moments, the little boy made his way in.
            As I was seated, he now had greater access to draw very near (practically in my face) and earnestly attempted to impart his most desired message. But I was at a loss to understand. One kind woman saw our predicament and took the boy aside to inquire. Then he left as quickly as he came. This was his special delivery: “I want to go to Heaven! And I want to follow you to Heaven!”
                I was deeply touched. A renewed and heightened sense of RESPONSIBILITY accompanies me: LIVE CHRIST, for others are following!  

-  Fr. John Hansen, S.M.P.