Detachment, Love and Compassion

Pope Francis in one of his many addresses asked the question, "How can we proclaim Christ to a generation that is continually changing?"

Being on retreat last week gave me much time to reflect on this question.  On my eight days retreat I encountered the great masters in Meister Eckhart, Catherine of Siena and Thich Nhat Hahn. To me they all seem to be answering that question of Pope Francis in their own way: detachment, love and compassion.  The daily readings from 1 John 4 also supported those attributes.

How can I empty myself of all that is unnecessary and unite myself with God who's very nature is love? How can I be detached so that I can become who I was born to be?  To welcome Christ being born in me anew each day?

I live in a world/generation that is continually changing, yet God remains the same, however, the ways that I encounter this God is always changing.  How do I take the time out of my busyness to recognize this God daily? "God is the source and summit of all joy and peace." Eckhart.

Becoming love and sharing that love and compassion for others will never be outdated.  I have to put on love and become that love who I was born to be, because I was created in the image and likeness of love.  However, we all know that this is easier said than done!  However, I cannot loose hope.  Each day is a new day where hopefully I can do better than the last. "Three things will last forever--faith, hope, and love--and the greatest of these is love." (Cor. 13:13).

How is your journey of being love and loving going?
How can I be that bridge of love and compassion for others?

Lystra Long, OP

New Grant, Trinidad

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Nuns can have nose rings? (and other frequently asked questions)

Happiness and Joy in Religious Life?

Where are my...(fill in the blank)?