Rather, living the truth in love, we should grow in every way into him who is the head, Christ....
What is currently the next Big Thing?
I asked Google that question and came up with: 1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) · 2.Autonomous driving · 3. Reusable rockets · 4. Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality · and 5. Rapid adaptation of renewable energy.
I asked about fashion? Boho, preppy, all-jeans outfits, tall boots, and minimalist ballet flats. In music? Personalized music, immersive live performances: and advancements in sped-up music.
Somewhere in college, about 1969 or 1970, when dropping out was the big thing, I realized I had dropped out when I entered the Franciscan novitiate, despite the insistence of other dropouts that I was The System. I was not pursuing the latest big thing. I wasn't even interested in it.
I had not dropped out to "find myself." Even in the sixties that sounded precious and pretentious, and was not my concern. I wasn't too sure why I had chosen this course, but I knew it wasn't the way of the world. A half-century later I realize it wasn't really my choice; I had been chosen and was simply pursuing the path the Lord laid before me.
I was seeking that "mature manhood" of which Saint Paul speaks. I was building my knowledge, belief, and faith on the rock of Catholic faith in Jesus Christ rather than the current ideology, so I had no need to be violent or hate anyone. From that rock I could observe and weather the storms of opinion and the currents of fashion. Or, as Saint Paul put it, I was not "tossed by waves and swept along by every wind of teaching." On a solid foundation, I could be grateful for my own security.
As the world seems to be changing rapidly around us -- and we can let future historians explain that to our children -- we stay with what we know: Jesus the Son of God, his Church, our Sacraments, (especially the Eucharist) and our daily prayers. Because the world around us would lead us daily into temptation, the Lord restores our courage and strength as often. He does not fail us and we must not fail one another.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.