Bethany

In parts of India, there is a custom which takes place on New Year’s Day. A friend or family member will ask someone if he or she would like to see the Lord. Naturally, the person is expected to say “Yes.” At this point, the individual is blindfolded and escorted to another room. There, the blindfold is removed and the person finds himself gazing in a mirror. The message, of course, is that you are the reflection of God.

 

 I admit that this is usually not the first thing that pops into my mind when I look into the mirror in the morning when I wake up. Still, it’s hard to imagine a better way to start the year than to identify yourself spiritually with the truth and goodness of God. The Bible gives us insight into spiritual reflection. St. Paul wrote, “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” (II Cor 3:18)

 

 It often helps to restate Scripture in our own words: “Anyone who looks steadily, day after day, at infinite and divine perfection, the image of Christ, will be transformed into that same likeness.” A stunning promise, but how do you look at something as huge and abstract as the glory of the Lord? Perhaps, as the saying goes, this is accomplished in the same manner as one would swallow an elephant - one bite at a time.

 

 Consider one aspect of Christ’s divine nature – such as truth, peace, or love – and describe it.  We may think of Divine love and associate with it words like wise, faithful, strong, gentle, constant and unselfish. Then think of someone who may express some of these aspects of the divine nature. The idea is to study and contemplate what you want to become.

 

 Another way to see the Lord is to make consistent efforts to love better. Patience is part of that effort, and it is something that most of us must seek to improve. I am thankful for the people in my life who have been patient with me. Their patience holds up a mirror to me that shows how I am a worthy image of God even when I am not acting like in such a manner.

 

 The understanding that each of us is inherently spiritual - the reflection of Christ’s infinite perfection supports all human resolutions to be better. Without it, endless obstacles limit our progress. However, with the knowledge that creation is spiritual and perfect through Christ’s nature, anyone can resolve to persist in overcoming anything that isn’t God-like with the help of the Almighty. In other words, with God all

things are possible. To catch a glimpse of yourself as Christ’s reflection transforms yourself and then transforms the world.

 

Our New Year’s wish should be to hold up that mirror for many others.

                    Merry Christmas and Happy New year

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In His Light,

Bishop Raymond Contois

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