May

27

“Gird Up Your Loins”

May 27, 2008 |

One of the great things about the epistles is that St. Paul, St. Peter and St. James give us so many simple rules for living.  Instruction that makes our lives easier - if we heed it. 

Today’s first reading from St. Peter (1 Peter 1) carries such an instruction -

[G]ird up the loins of your mind, live soberly, and set your hopes completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Like obedient children, do not act in compliance with the desires of your former ignorance but, as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in every aspect of your conduct, for it is written, Be holy because I am holy.

It doesn’t seem that hard.  Sharpening our minds - living soberly - setting our hopes only on Christ - being obedient - not being seduced by our desires - living a holy life in EVERY aspect of our conduct.

I would imagine that most of our problems and anxieties could be avoided altogether if we followed St. Peter’s instruction and just refused to give in to those desires that are against what Christ wants for us.  We need to realize that, while there are things in all of our lives that we simply don’t want Christ to know about, we are foolish if we think he doesn’t know everything about us.

This weekend was unofficially the beginning of Summer.  Let us live every day this season with an eye towards what Christ wants for us.  In this fun-filled time, let us remember that Christ watches us in all things and is trying to guide us toward him.  Let’s not give in to those desires and impulses that lead us away from him.

Let’s make this season a Christ-filled season.

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Optional Memorial of St. Augustine of Canterbury, bishop (England, d. 604) - born in Rome; Benedictine monk; sent by Pope Gregory I to Britain to evangelize the pagans of England; converted and baptized King Ethelbert with many of his subjects following his lead; became first Archbishop of Canterbury; known as the “Apostle of England.”


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