Life as a Test
Star Trek fans might recall my favorite episode in which aliens test a woman to see if her race is worthy of saving on another planet. The woman is an empath, someone who can absorb the suffering of others. Her test is to take on the pain of Dr. McCoy when he is dying, and thereby give her life for his. She passes the test. This theme echoes the situation we are in. We are each given a certain number of days on earth to prove that we deserve to live in eternal bliss in another world. The fallen angels failed their test. Our first parents, representing the human race, also failed their test. Thanks to the mediation of Jesus, we have the chance to retake it.
Some people are fortunate to have short tests. Saint Therese of Lisieux, for example, only lived for twenty-three years. Others have tests that last for decades.
Teens cram for SAT tests. We prepare for our life tests by studying Jesus and the saints (who aced their tests), the Scriptures, and what the Church teaches. Jesus has provided us with a cheat sheet. In a parable he explains that to be rewarded with entry into the kingdom we are to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, welcome the stranger, clothe the naked, and visit the imprisoned. God has even given us each a personal mentor, a guardian angel to suggest the right answers.
Catholic school children were known to pray during tests, “Holy Spirit, Lord of Light, help me choose the one that’s right.” This Person of the Trinity is in charge of our sanctification. We can call upon the Holy Spirit for supernatural assistance as we go through life’s tests.
The tests are often difficult multiple choice tests: which course of action will you take? Some tests are identification: what is truth? Some tests in life are like stress tests: how do you endure suffering? Other tests are like driving tests: how good are you at following the rules? Pop quizzes are the norm: how will you act on the spur of the moment? Each test in some way measures love, love of God and love of others. St. John of the Cross stated that at the end of our lives we will be judged on love. Jesus, the Teacher, will look over the story of our lives (our essay test) and evaluate it. Ultimately, there are no grades for our lives, no B+’s or D’s. We either pass or fail.
Some people (like St. Ignatius) have found a daily examination of conscience, a self-evaluation, helpful in deepening their spiritual life. If you have too, how do you carry it out?
The Our Father Prayer, a Privilege
Just as our first words are mama and daddy, the Our Father is one of the first prayers we learn as members of God’s family. Little children mangle it by praying “Howard be thy name” and “deliver us some e-mail.” During the liturgy a couple weeks ago, the Our Father prayer was presented to the elect as a special inheritance before they were received into the Church at the Easter Vigil. This fifty-six word prayer is precious because it is from the lips of Jesus himself. The apostles had asked him to teach them how to pray. (more…)
Reactions to Resurrection
NOTE: Due to a glitch, this was posted early and shortened the time of the previous reflection. I’m keeping it up another week for those who would miss it or the last one. After all, the Easter Season lasts fifty days!
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Many people played a part in the Passion story. Some were heroes, some villains, and some merely minor characters. I wonder what went through their minds on learning that Jesus was alive? Maybe it was something along these lines . . .
Pilate: Why didn’t those soldiers do a better job at killing him? Now he’ll probably overthrow Rome and establish his kingdom. I’ll be the first one he comes after.
Pilate’s Wife: I knew Pilate should have listened to me.
Mary, the Blessed Mother: Thank God my Son’s mission is complete and he has triumphed. I’m so proud of him. I’d say yes all over again despite the excruciating pain it entailed for both of us. (more…)
Life Lesson from St. Clare
In this week when we ponder the eternal life won for us, I thought I’d share thoughts about our precious earthly life from a page in a book I’m currently writing: Saint Clare guided by St. Francis, founded the first Franciscan community for women. Today at the Poor Clare monastery in Assisi, visitors can view the corner of a room where Saint Clare died. Above the site is a plaque that reads, “Blessed be you, my God, for having created me.” What a perfect way to end one’s life—praising the God who made it all possible! (more…)
Malaysian Plane, a Double Mystery
So far no one on earth can explain what happened to the Malaysian plane that disappeared somewhere over the ocean. This horrifying occurrence may forever remain a mystery. The shocking, sudden deaths of 239 people poses a greater mystery: why would God allow this to happen? I’m writing this on the feastday of St. Julie Billiart, the spiritual mother of our community, who incessantly proclaimed, “God is good.” How could a good, all-powerful God not prevent this catastrophe and others like it? Purportedly God loves us and regards us as his children. Does a good Father stand by and let his children suffer? If you expect me to offer an answer, I’m going to disappoint you. This age-old mystery of suffering has been tackled by many people far wiser than I. But no satisfactory answer has been given. Not even in the biblical book of Job does God give us an inkling into the mystery. The innocent, suffering Job is merely told in no uncertain terms that God is in charge of the universe, so who is he to question him. (more…)
