“What we have to be is what we are.”
― Thomas Merton
I do my best to read the daily gospel reflections from Bishop Barron. As I continue my work to regain the conviction to return I am finding each day’s offering extends far beyond the scope of its intentions. At least that is how I read and feel them.
Parallels abound, things click in all manners and his words convey images, ideas and interests faar beyond the message of the moment. Thank you for shaking things up and making me think, Bishop.
So today, He says “who do you say that I am?”. A point blank address to those around Him to confess the known but unsaid truth. To put what was known into words. So that all were not just aligned, but all understood and all confirmed the veracity of what things were. Sorry, kind of selling that historic moment short.
Now in no way am I contending that I deserve that level of consideration from anyone let alone twelve. But when I read this, I actually wondered what those that “know” me say that I am. For it is certain that I struggle saying who I am. And I am confident that those around me see something that is for lack of a better term, exists in total obscurity to me.
Now He asked because he knew, and wanted them to come to see and share in that knowledge. I ask because I am not so keen on what it is that I am, and seek to understand what is obvious to those but me.
While He was made to be Him, I was made to be me. You were made to be you. It can be challenging when there is alot of gray and we just are not certain who we say we are as was He. Perhaps there is something else to be gained from today’s gospel.
Relinquish the resistance towards something bigger than yourself. Like trust in how you were made. What you are intended to do.
So that you can be what you are.
Who He says I am.
...my temporary assignment. 