January 07 Kandili Article
WHEN I SAY…”I AM A CHRISTIAN”
We have just celebrated the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. God has become one of us in order to reconcile us with God. The practical reality of life in our country and in our times is that we all too often are too busy to grasp the simple realities of life. Even in the Christmas season, the business of the season might keep us from experiencing in depth the “Reason” for the season, our Lord and Savior. The beautiful poem below by Maya Angelou is a poignant reminder of what our life is all about.
Christians – By Maya Angelou
When I say… “I am a Christian”
I’m not shouting “I’m clean livin’.”
I’m whispering “I was lost,
Now I’m found and forgiven.”
When I say… “I am a Christian”
I don’t speak of this with pride.
I’m confessing that I stumble
and need Christ to be my guide.
When I say… “I am a Christian”
I’m not trying to be strong.
I’m professing that I’m weak
And need His strength to carry on.
When I say… “I am a Christian”
I’m not bragging of success.
I’m admitting I have failed
And need God to clean my mess.
When I say… “I am a Christian”
I’m not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible
But, God believes I am worth it.
When I say… “I am a Christian”
I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches
So I call upon His name.
When I say… “I am a Christian”
I’m not holier than thou,
I’m just a simple sinner
Who received God’s good grace, somehow.
Each New Year we may begin with a long list of resolutions. We think of things that we might do to make ourselves healthier or happier. Won’t you resolve with me, to call yourself a Christian? Allow it to be not as a second or third or fourth adjective of description of your life. Rather, might not it be the main pronoun describing who you (and I) are? Cannot we be: a Christian business person; a Christian teacher; a Christian doctor; a Christian admin.; a Christian clerk; a Christian parent; a Christian lawyer; a Christian student; a Christian priest; a Christian person…a Christian. Now, I don’t mean an “in your face Christian” who is judging others as less than oneself, but a Christian who recognizes that we all stumble and are nothing without God. I mean the kind of a Christian who others just know as a good, kind, compassionate and giving person.
January 6 is Theophany, the Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Jordon River and the revelation of God in Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This marks the beginning of Jesus’ three year public ministry and His love for us in action through preaching, teaching and healing. His Divine presence is alive within us by the power of the Holy Spirit. Through His loving Grace, let’s you and I resolve this year, to be a Christian.
The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Love of God the Father and the Communion of the Holy Spirit be with you, one and all. Have a Blessed and Spirit-filled New Year.
In Christ, Fr. Lou