​Models of Faith are Everywhere

Grace to you,
 
In my reflection yesterday, I talked about the need to look around us, admire and share the good we see. There is much good around us. It takes a positive mindset, a virtuous heart to see the good and spread the good news. 
 
May I advance that reflection further by suggesting that there are many bearers of the good news around us. News is about people, places and events. Bearers of good news are people. It’s people who shine the light for everyone to see. It’s people who announce or live the story. 
 
When the poor in India saw the unequalled care, love and attention of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, they found, after all, Christ in that woman of incredible virtue. She was indeed a sister of Jesus. You wouldn’t need to second-guess the qualification of being a brother or sister of the Christ. The answer is straight from the horse’s mouth. 
 
The Lord said, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it” (Luke 8:21). The Blessed Virgin Mary heard God’s word and acted on it. She is the archetype of true faith and true charity. Her role as a model is unique. 
 
Christians are so called because they emulate Christ. They also spread the good news of Christ. They live the Word of God. 
 
Several times, you may have seen people in your circles who have been Christ to you; offering hope and inspiration by their words and lifestyle. Christ in us is the seed of that goodness. 
 
The Church is rich, providing us with great models of faith to emulate. From the contemplatives to the extroverts, advocates to monastics, from the religious to the laity, the military to politicians; from every nation and people and language, name it. The Church has models relatable to all and for any. The Church is truly Catholic—universal; and has an appeal across the centuries and across the world, in the sense that whatever spiritual model you desire, and no matter where you are located, you would find it in the Church.  
 
In the spiritual life, it’s always inspiring to know many have gone the route of holiness in Christ in his Church before us; and that we would, by the grace of God, be part of the story. Someday. 
 
It will be the most beautiful thing that our hearts’ desire will be to hear God’s word and follow it every step of the way. May praising God and shinning the light for everyone to see be our passion. How I wish we desire and love to be saints. 
 
This wish is a prayer with a hope-filled divine blessing. Amen. 
 
God love you. God bless you!
 
Fr. Maurice Emelu
 
[Tuesday Ordinary Time: Prov 21:1-6, 10-13; LK 8:19-21]

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