Increasing Goodness Within Myself

 

Increasing Goodness Within Myself

Anne Jeffries

 

Only one man, in the entire history of the world, has obeyed every Commandment of goodness found in the Old Testament. God and His son are the only good and we are called to be good as they are (Romans 8:28 and Luke 6:31).

 We are told (John 6:38) that Christ was sent by His Father to do His Will. Doing the Will of God is not easy and even Christ suffered, asking for His cup of suffering to pass Him by (Matt 26:39). His humanity begged to be released from this final act that would renew the man to salvation. But, knowing He was called to die for our sake, He did so. His glorious resurrection put His followers and all of humanity on a firm path to God and salvation. Serving Him helps us then, to work out our own salvation (Matt 7:21).

 As I read Pope Francis' book, The Way of Humility, I am overwhelmed by the depth and breadth of true humility. His words, so simple and direct, flow against our world today, pushing like hardening sap. If Jesus can humble Himself before His destiny of physical death (Phil 2:7-8) how much easier it should be for me to bear my call to humbleness before God. I am not being asked to die physically (not at this moment in any event) but I am being asked to die to myself.

 If we are to follow Christ fully, we need to ask ourselves what cross it is we are meant to bear for His sake. In recognizing our own cross, we are more fully prepared to serve, in all humility, others, in His name.

 Serving is no chore done out of duty or obligation. We may feel duty and obligation but, done in love, there is no effort. In fact, the act itself is so freeing that communion with God can only increase. Obeying a call to serve and love are the same thing but the road to that union of service and love can offer up unexpected roadblocks. The road to a practice of good acts through service and love is fertile ground for Satan's minions - Doubt, Fear, Revulsion, Shame, and Embarrassment. The struggle through these barriers to goodness and into the light of God's waiting love and companionship is a deeply personal road, a steep climb out of a dark pit that is always waiting there for us. Holding to the hem of His robe, I cling to His love to stay on the path of doing His Will.

St. Pope John XXIII's motto was "Obedience and Peace". There is no clearer road for me to follow. The dark minions are held at bay as I look up to Him and ask His Will for me. Once known, once answered, peace in His love becomes my shelter.