Daily Reflections

Reflection:

Reflecting on our life and recognising our successes and failures, the opportunities taken and missed, the choices we have made and avoided, is a critical element of our life journey. Both Paul and Jesus are at a moment of transition when they look at how they have run the race God set before them. As Jesus prepares to return to the Father, he knows that he has done the best that he can by his example and instruction. He has completed the work he was give. The time is now fast approaching when he must leave the disciples, and they must take up the challenge of continuing his mission in a world that will not always accept them. 

Paul knows that when he gathers the elders of the church of Ephesus this will be the last time that he sees them, and that suffering and death await him in Rome. He knows that he has run the race and fought the good fight with integrity and devotion. There have been many joys and sorrows, but he is at peace knowing that he has established and nurtured many fledgling Christian communities in Syria, Asia Minor and Greece. 

Let’s make the most of the opportunities that we are given each day to live them well as disciples. In this way when our own lives draw to a close, we can look back with satisfaction that we have done what we can and have used the gifts we have been given to lighten the burdens of others, to bring some light, joy and love – one day at a time.

Fr. Chris Monaghan CP, lectures in the New Testament and is President of Yarra Theological Union. He is a member of the Passionist community of Holy Cross in Templestowe.