One of the most difficult tasks of life is consistently living out our personal identity as God’s beloved in this world.
THE PROBLEM WITH IDENTITY
How can “who I am” be consistent with what I do and how I interact, and not get lost in society’s messages?
In today’s scriptural texts, we have TWO CONTRASTING EXAMPLES when it comes to identity:
IN TODAY’S FIRST READING
Solomon got so comfortable with his kingship, wealth, and wives that he forgot, and acted contrary to, his primary identity as a faithful servant of Yahweh. Do I let God shape my identity rather than other people whose images are often so misleading?
IN TODAY’S GOSPEL PASSAGE
However, the Syrophoenician woman who asked Jesus to heal her daughter knew who she was and confidently lived out that identity as a MOTHER and a faith-filled believer. She didn’t let even Jesus turn her aside from what she knew was possible for God in her life. How difficult that must have been! What gave her the strength to claim her identity? That’s what I’m PRAYING for this week.
DEEP DOWN INSIDE
Somewhere deep inside I know that I am God’s beloved child, that at my core I am radiant with the Spirit of love and life. Can I stay in touch with that part of me and know, truly know, who I am?
THE QUESTION OF IDENTITY
Can I let God define who I am rather than other people whose images are often so flawed? Can I stay in touch with that core reality and then express it in my actions and relationships? Such challenging questions! Yet so necessary to ask and keep before us.
MY IDENTITY IN GOD
I pray that I can consistently act from the calm and certain assurance that God knows who I REALLY am and loves me completely. So, no matter what happens in this world, no matter the challenges and obstacles, no matter who offers me their love and who doesn’t, no matter whether I have a place at the head table or I am eating the scraps beneath it, I have my identity in God, who will never leave me alone.
May I remain centered in that truth and always seek to act in concert with it. Amen
Joe
