Spiritual Check-Up
We all know the importance of staying in shape, making healthy food choices and visiting the doctor once a year. A yearly check-up helps detect health problems before they arise. The older we get, the more important it is to stay physically fit. After a certain age we should do strength training exercises at least twice a week and cardio on the other days. This takes quite a lot of time out of our day, leaving little time for spiritual exercise. We can measure our physical fitness but can we measure our spirituality?
Love is THE Answer
The Liturgical Year B and our study of Mark’s gospel end on November 22nd. Mark tells of a scribe who interrupted a disagreement between Jesus and some Sadducees. He asked which is the greatest commandment (Mark 12:28-34). For the devout Jew, all commandments were to be kept equally. Jesus answers him with the double commandment which comes from all the laws and the prophets. Jesus tells us that we shall love the Lord with all our heart, soul and mind. He then tells us that we shall love our neighbor as we love our self.
Self-Check
We can check our spiritual health by asking ourselves a few questions based on this commandment: Do I listen to God as he tells me who I am and shows me what I am called to do? Am I controlled by earthly possessions and the material world or by the treasures I am storing in heaven? As I mature and gain wisdom, am I becoming more compassionate, kind, patient and humble? Is my relationship focused on Jesus helping me to find solutions instead of problems, on forgiveness instead of revenge? Am I willing to be seen as weak and humble so that God can show His strength? Do I rely on God for my strength or do I insist on getting through it alone?
Homework
St. Paul outlines the “Ideal Christian Life in the World” in his Letter to the Colossians (Col. 3:1-17). He instructs us to let the Word of Christ dwell in us and whatever we do, do it in the name of Jesus and give thanks to God. To be spiritually fit, feed on God’s Word and exercise your faith.
Karen Curjel