“..not having any righteousness of my own based on the law but that which comes through faith in Christ… depending on faith to know him and the power of his resurrection. It is not that I have already taken hold of it or have already attained perfect maturity, but I continue my pursuit in hope that I may possess it…” – Phil 3:8-14, today’s second reading.
Some thoughts are timeless, aren’t they? We know the saying, “God isn’t finished with me yet.” St. Paul’s letter clearly says that he doesn’t believe that he’s perfectly mature, either. But what does that mean to us? How could St. Paul’s admission help us understand ourselves and others? Probably most of us will admit that we aren’t spiritually mature, but saying it is only part of the story. There’s a lot more to think about…
I remember, years ago, I thought that I knew how to live as Jesus wanted me to live. I knew that I did some things “wrong,” but in my immaturity, I figured that I’d go to confession and that would take care of it. Of course, it wasn’t that simple. I was only thinking about myself. I wasn’t concerned about the people I hurt: at least not enough to have empathy for them, or to apologize. Immature? Oh, yes.
Faults, immaturity – everyone has them. Sometimes we’re so oblivious that we don’t even realize when we’ve “done wrong.” Praying – talking things over with God as we would share with a good friend who we know loves us – helps. Spiritual growth is uneven and spiritual maturity, with a few exceptions, is usually gained gradually, over the course of a lifetime.
The good news is, like St. Paul, we’re willing to continue to grow in our faith, and in our knowledge of Christ. If we stay on this spiritual path, all will be well. Thanks be to God, we are able to come to Mass, read the bible, and experience the joy of helping others. And we forgive those who, in their immaturity, have hurt us or offended us. After all, parents forgive their children, and children and youth forgive their parents. And friends forgive friends; hopefully, they even forgive their enemies. Spiritually speaking, it’s all a part of growing up…
Dorothy A. Hathway, CSJA
