A SHORT TIME AGO we celebrated Christmas, God becoming Man; in other words the Incarnation. This divine gift is central to our Christian faith because no longer is there a separation from God. As the hymnology reminds us: GOD IS WITH US; the divisions keeping us apart from Him are no more. He brings us this gift of peace by reconciling heaven and earth, the holy with the mundane.
So, now what? The gift has been and is being given. How do we use this gift of peace? It seems our task is to integrate this reality into our lives. No longer is it good and right to maintain compartments where one thing is spiritual and another is secular; there is a need for reconciliation within ourselves and among each other to confirm this peace that has been so freely given. Our labor, our routine activities, and even our celebrations should now include the dimension of holiness. The work that can foster this spirit has been shown to us by Christ Himself: humility, forgiveness, compassion, patience, understanding, and a joyful gratitude for this gift from on High.
With Great Lent soon on the horizon, the opportunity for reflection on these gifts and prayers for their fulfillment is presented. Peace through reconciliation.
– Ginger Jerosh