Throughout this liturgical year we have examined several aspects of our faith. We have pondered the history of our salvation, the merciful compassion of God, God's willingness to lead us out of the bondage of our addictions. We have meditated often and long on the person of Jesus, on his life and death, on the meaning of his sacrifice, on his resurrection, on his influence in our lives today. We have considered our own ongoing transformation as disciples of Jesus, baptised into his death and resurrection, commissioned to bring the news of his love to all those with whom we come into contact. We have reflected on all of these wonderful deeds of God, and now we must ask the question: What difference has it made?

Have we merely acquired some information about the biblical readings, about our religious ancestors, about the ministry of Jesus and the life of the early church? Or have our eyes really been opened; have we been enabled to leave behind whatever prevents us from living the Christian life fully, to abandon our exiles or the trappings of our former lives? Have we accepted more genuinely the Christian responsibilities that are ours as baptised followers of Christ, in our own personal lives, in our families, in our relationships with others, at the workplace? To what degree have we been transformed into Christ? How open have we become to the action of the Spirit in our lives? Have we been made a new creation? And do we recognise Christ in our midst? 

© Dianne Bergant CSA