6th Sunday after Pentecost Thoughts About Being Like Jesus

We conclude our little summer mini-series of Sunday thoughts about being like Jesus. 

With the able assistance of St. John Henry Newman, let's take some time to: take seriously this idea that we should, more importantly can, be more like Jesus; consider our thoughts, words, and actions that fall short in this important matter; think about how we can change each to think, talk, and behave more like our Lord.

Along this line of thought, before we get to Newman's little poem, this: 

We absolutely, for sure need to know that we can be more like Jesus. The perfectly normal response - something like "Yeah, right!" - is understandable. From a personal perspective, it's much easier to urge you to take this seriously. As for me...well....Of course, there's also the obligation to eat what you cook. And since we know that we all can become saints, starting with the desire to do so, we can't just shunt this aside as somehow above our pay grade.In any case, let's all pray for each other that each of us takes this seriously and with that in mind, let's consider how we typically think, talk, and behave.

This can and should be at least a mini-project. Don't give it just a cursory thought. Examine!

Look at the content of the thoughts that flow through our minds each day. Don't obsess on this, of course. You'll never get out of bed if you do. The point is take notice from time to time what pops up in your head, how you react to things - especially to others. You may not come out and say what you're thinking, but you're thinking it. And our thoughts carry weight when it comes to our spiritual life. The obvious example: you're saying hello with a smile and thinking about how much you can't stand "X."

Listen to the words you speak. How do you sound? What's the tone of your voice. Does it convey interest, open-mindedness, charity? Or is it abrupt, disinterested, outright rude. If someone spoke that way to you, how would you feel? 

Observe your actions just as you might carefully scrutinize the behavior of others. This includes your appearance, your gestures, your facial expressions. People see you. What do they see? A kind face? A patient demeanor? Do you seem rushed when people speak to you, ask your opinion or advice? Be especially conscious of how you come across to loved ones, like your wife and children. 

You get the point, right?

All of this makes up a package that we can then compare to our impression of what Jesus was like when He walked amongst us. If we simply read the Gospels - and do so over a long period of time, over and over again - we will inevitably be able to draw some sort of relatively concrete picture of Him: not just his Face, Hands, Feet, etc., but how He spoke, how He behaved, even to some extent the thoughts that must have flowed through His mind as He looked out over our world, at His disciples, even at His enemies who ultimately crucified Him. 

This is what we want to emulate. Really.

We want to emulate Our Lord in every way possible, best we can, both for our own sake - the salvation of our souls - and for the sake of others. 

If you ever wondered how best to evangelize the world, this is where the rubber will meet the road. Be like Jesus and be saved and help to save the souls of others. 

Now for St. John Henry Cardinal Newman. He lays all this out in these few poetic words:  

Dear Jesus, help me to spread Thy fragrance everywhere.

Flood my soul with Thy spirit and life. 

Penetrate and possess my whole being so utterly

That all my life may be only a radiance of Thine.

Shine through me and be so in me that every soul 

I come in contact with may feel Thy presence in my soul.

Let them look up and see no longer me, but only Jesus.

 

Happy 6th Sunday after Pentecost!