The Vocabulary of Change - New Evangelizers

Not long after the Nativity we celebrate the Epiphany, the twelfth day of Christmas. People who celebrate this holiday recognize it as the arrival of the Magi at the birth of Jesus after a long arduous journey to seek the new born King. In spiritual parlance, though, the Epiphany is so much more. A classical definition of the word means “manifestation”. Such a great word, to appear out of nowhere! That is the very cue that set the Magi in motion. Out of nothing and nowhere the star showed up and piqued their curiosity in such a way that they had to act.
To me it seems more than fitting that this celebration happens right at the beginning of the new year. This is the time that many of us are stirred by the notion of change, something new, something better, something that moves us closer to the best version of self that we can be. The Magi were those seekers too, they wanted desperately to find something new, something that would change the world like the wonder they viewed which changed the heavens. I think this should really be called the “seekers” holiday. Isn’t it interesting that the Magi packed up and left despite the fact that they did not know where they were going, how long it would take or how dangerous it would be? Faith is kind of like that.
In every seeker (person) though lies the truth of the newness they seek. You can change your location, job, appearance but how do you really become a better self? The only answer to that lies in what you are willing to do in the deepest part of you, your spirit. The Magi were so profoundly influenced by this truth that even thought they were commanded by royalty regarding what to do, they ignored those politically correct influences. After their encounter with the living God, they went another way, with completely changed hearts. The only skill you really need to achieve this change is willingness. Tell God you’ll do as He asks and then He will give you the tools.
Spiritual growth does not have to be complicated but it is not a spectator sport. In some way you must make a move toward God every day to have any kind of success at the new you. St. Ignatius of Loyola realized this hundreds of years ago and created a formula that might take you all of 10 minutes daily. It’s called The Examine. You can do this on a timeline that works for you, daily, monthly, yearly. Hint, more often leads to faster progress.

St. Ignatius (founder of the Jesuits) divided the Daily Examine into five parts and it is often described in the following way:
1. Place yourself in God’s presence. Give thanks for God’s great love for you.
2. Pray for the grace to understand how God is acting in your life.
3. Review your day — recall particular moments that stand out and your feelings at those times.
4. Reflect on what you did, said, or thought in those instances. Were you drawing closer to God, or further away? Trusting God’s mercy ask Him for forgiveness for the times you were not the best version of yourself.
5. Look toward tomorrow — think of how you might collaborate more effectively with God’s plan. Be specific, and conclude with the “Our Father.”

This more you practice this exercise the better understanding you will have of how God is working in your life as well as being honest about your mistakes and celebrating your joys. It is also a positive way of recognizing your faults while being constantly aware of the love and mercy of God. You might want to supplement this with other prayer or journaling. Dialog with God is the key here. If you don’t have a really good view of the map, how will you know where you are going? God is our cartographer and he is always willing to share! Ask the Magi to join you in your quest for newness. We are all travelers together.

Copyright© 2017, Kathryn M. Cunningham

 

Kathryn M. Cunningham

Kathryn holds a Master’s in Education from Saint Xavier University. Most recently she completed Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies from The Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. This recent degree was part of a “retirement project” after teaching for 35 years. She has also worked as a spiritual director, music minister,council member and prayer team warrior. Kathryn has a deep interest in catechesis for the people in the pews. As a “sort of” convert she finds the wisdom of the Church a source for encouragement, joy and survival in a world not sure of anything. Her writing has appeared in diocesan publications and on-line sites, most recently for Zenit. To learn more about Kathryn check out her thinking at: www.atravelersview.org">ATravelersView.org.