Two Roads

Isn't it true that there are many things that we would like other people to change? Do we find this unusual? No, probably not. It's just one of the facts of life. Not everybody does things the way we would like them to. Some of those changes that we would like others to make are quite trivial. In the long run they really don't matter. But other changes are of the utmost importance. Ifone person is abusing alcohol or some other substance, then change is crucial. In fact it may be a life-saving change that is being asked of a person. And why do people ask others to make life-saving changes?  Quite simply, because they love that other person, and it hurts them very much to see that other person slowly destroying their life, and all that is valuable in life.

And so it is not at all unusual to hear Jesus asking us to change. After all, he loves us as no one else can.

He wants the very best for us. It grieves him to see some of the things we do which end up bringing nothing but misery into our lives. Our sin, our selfishness, our self-centredness, win nothing for us but unhappiness. When Jesus puts out the invitation to repent, he is calling us down the road that ultimately leads to happiness.

What is our task then? During this coming week, perhaps we could seriously reflect on our answer to Jesus' call to follow him. If we discover that we are moving off the path too often, it is time to ask forgiveness and help to get back in tune with our fundamental choice. May God help us all as we journey together in this life as followers of Jesus.

Peace,  Father John