Living in Gratitude: Embracing God's Abundant Blessings in Ordinary Time
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The Meaning of Ordinary Time
- The Gospel Reflection: Peter's Question
- The Answer: A Hundredfold Blessings
- The Fruits of the Spirit in Ordinary Time
- Gratitude as the Earmark of Ignatian Spirituality
- The Power of the Sushipei Prayer
- Humility and Surrender in Placing Ourselves in God's Hands
- The Example of Father Jim Willig
- Conclusion
Ordinary Time: Growing in Love and Surrender
In the Catholic liturgical calendar, there are seasons that mark significant events in the life of Christ, such as Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter. However, there is also a season called Ordinary Time, which makes up the majority of the liturgical year. This is a time for growth, reflection, and deepening our relationship with God. In this article, we will explore the meaning of Ordinary Time and how it calls us to grow in love and surrender.
The Meaning of Ordinary Time
Ordinary Time is not named so because it is ordinary in the sense of being mundane or unimportant, but rather because it is ordered or counted. It is a time of growth and progress, a time to continue our journey of faith. Symbolized by the green vestments worn by priests, Ordinary Time represents the season of growth, just as plants grow and flourish in the green of nature. During this time, we are called to keep our eyes fixed on the Lord and to continue striving to live a life of love and discipleship.
The Gospel Reflection: Peter's Question
In today's Gospel reading, we encounter Peter expressing his concerns to Jesus. Peter and the other disciples have given up everything to follow Jesus, and they begin to wonder what they will receive in return. This question is relatable to many of us who may sometimes feel discouraged or wonder if our sacrifices are worth it. Peter's honesty allows us to delve into the depths of our own hearts and question our motives and expectations.
The Answer: A Hundredfold Blessings
Jesus responds to Peter's question with a promise that whoever gives up their own comforts and possessions for the sake of the Gospel will receive a hundredfold in return. This reward is not only promised for the future but also in the present age. While it may not be in the form of material wealth, it is the abundant joy, love, and peace we experience when the Holy Spirit dwells within us. This is the essence of Ordinary Time – growing in our awareness of the Spirit's presence and the abundant blessings that come with it.
The Fruits of the Spirit in Ordinary Time
In Ordinary Time, we are called to cultivate the fruits of the Spirit in our lives. As Saint Paul writes, these fruits include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and more. It is not the grand accomplishments or acts of power that make us true disciples of the Lord, but the manifestation of these fruits in our daily lives. Each day becomes an opportunity to grow in love, to extend kindness, and to bear witness to the joy that comes from living in communion with God.
Gratitude as the Earmark of Ignatian Spirituality
Gratitude plays a vital role in Ignatian spirituality, which is deeply rooted in the teachings of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuit order. Ignatius teaches that ingratitude is one of the worst sins we can commit – to take our gifts for granted or focus solely on our own actions while ignoring God's grace. In Ordinary Time, we are called to shift our focus from ourselves to what God is doing for us. Our response should be one of gratitude, recognizing the countless ways in which God continues to bless us each day.
The Power of the Sushipei Prayer
One prayer that resonates with the spirit of Ordinary Time is the Sushipei prayer, also known as the Prayer for Generosity. This prayer, attributed to Saint Ignatius, embodies a deep desire to surrender ourselves unconditionally to God's will. It calls us to offer our liberty, thoughts, memories, and all that we possess for God's use. By praying this prayer daily, we open ourselves up to the transforming power of God's love and grace, enabling us to live a life of mission and purpose.
Humility and Surrender in Placing Ourselves in God's Hands
Placing ourselves unconditionally in God's hands requires profound humility and surrender. It means recognizing our own frailty and weaknesses but also acknowledging God's constant presence and support. Just as Pope Benedict XVI expressed, praying the Sushipei prayer can be a shiver of fear, as it challenges us to contemplate what the Lord might ask of us. Yet, it is in this act of surrender that we experience the pure love and deeper form of humility that Ignatius teaches. Trusting in God's sustaining love and grace, we can grow in surrender and find true freedom.
The Example of Father Jim Willig
The story of Father Jim Willig serves as an inspiring example of someone who fully embraced the spirit of surrender and lived a life of love and service. Despite his charismatic preaching and successful ministry, Father Jim found himself facing a terminal illness. His encounter with the Sushipei prayer and the presence of the Holy Spirit reaffirmed his trust and surrender to God's will. His life became a testament to the power of living in gratitude and embracing the ordinary time of growth and surrender.
Conclusion
In Ordinary Time, we are invited to enter into a season of growth and surrender. It is a time to keep our eyes fixed on the Lord and to cultivate the fruits of the Spirit in our lives. Through gratitude, surrender, and the Sushipei prayer, we can continue our journey of faith and deepen our relationship with God. As we embrace the ordinary moments of life, may we recognize the extraordinary grace and love that surround us.
