Showing the World

Yesterday, I read a book called Loved as I Am: An Invitation to Conversion, Healing, and Freedom through Jesus, by Sister Miriam James Heidland.  While it was a quick and easy read, she shared so many profound statements to reflect on as she shared her story.  In one of the statements I was struck by, she says, “When was the last time you were mistaken for Jesus? As our lives are redeemed and joined to the life of Jesus, the world around us changes because the face of Christ is made manifest” (Heidland 19).  This is a powerful thought for us to all reflect on. 

“When was the last time you were mistaken for Jesus?”  Obviously, this is not meant in a literal sense, but what if we lived our lives each day in a way that was Christ-like enough that others could see Him in us?  What if our friends, family members, co-workers, and neighbors were inspired by us because of our words and actions?  What if people who’ve left the church returned to the faith because of the way we lived?  What if people who did not know Christ had a desire to learn who He is because of the way we made Him present by our personal witness?

When people see us or interact with us, do they see Jesus in us?  One of the best ways to become more like Him is to seek out the sacraments, receiving the Eucharist as often as possible and going to confession.  Another way is to read scripture regularly, letting His word permeate our hearts and minds.  When we fail to present Jesus to the world around us, which we will often do, we can begin again, asking Jesus to help us become more like Him.

Today, the Church celebrates the feast day of St. Teresa of Avila.  She is known for saying, “Christ has no body now but yours. No hands, no feet on earth but yours. Yours are the eyes through which he looks compassion on this world. Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good. Yours are the hands through which he blesses all the world. Yours are the hands, yours are the feet, yours are the eyes, you are his body. Christ has no body now on earth but yours.”  These beautiful words she is attributed with are fitting with this question from Sr. Miriam, “When was the last time you were mistaken for Jesus?”  As St. Teresa of Avila says, we are called to be Christ in the world.  Can people see Him through us?
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As we go throughout our week, may we let Jesus work in and through us, showing and reminding others who He is.  We will fail often, but we can always begin again.  My prayer is that we would be able to change our corner of the world around us, letting Christ be known and helping people see Him in us.