Sometimes all it takes is a cute saying and a pretty poster to motivate us. Other times we are motivated by a challenge, hardship, or a desire. Whatever it is that motivates us, it is important that we set goals to keep ourselves focused and determined to complete our task. When asked about his success as a batter, Cal Ripken stated, “I focus on the ball.”
St. Paul in his letter to the Hebrews says, “let us run with endurance the race that is set before us (Hebrews 12:1).” Life as a race is a metaphor all of us can easily comprehend. The clever athlete doesn’t wait until the day of the competition to consider his course or strategy, the smart contestant deliberates all the aspects her match weeks in advance.
The same is true for an organization and parish. We should not imagine setting out on a journey without proper planning. There are three specific accounts in the New Testament that support the notion of “planning:” St. Peter’s attempt to walk on water during the storm, the parable of the Prodigal Son and the friends who lowered the paralytic through the roof to be healed by Christ.
St. Peter’s desire to step out of the boat and attempt to walk on water, at first, seems impulsive. But if we consider Peter’s thought process we realize that this was not reckless, but a very courageous decision made with faith. Peter was a disciple of Christ. He was a follower and a witness to many miracles. In the Gospel of Matthew, the story of the feeding of the five thousand men precedes Peter’s bold stride. He saw his master feed five thousand men from five loaves of bread and two fish. His faith was strong and his trust in the Lord was sturdy. Peter’s valiant strides were motivated by his faith in Christ.
An inheritance is squandered foolishly and prematurely in the parable of the Prodigal Son. The Prodigal’s departure was provoked by greed and impatience, but his return was motivated by his faith in the splendid mercy of his Father. He knew that regardless of his irresponsibility, at the very least, his father would permit him to return as a servant. The father’s kindness exceeds the Prodigal’s expectations and a banquet exclaims the father’s true joy of the Prodigal’s homecoming.
As Christ followers were listening to Him preach in Capernaum four men attempted to bring a paralytic to Him to be healed but could not because of the crowd (Mark 2:2). Instead of leaving discouraged the four men tore the roof off the building in which Jesus was preaching and “let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying.” The four men knew of Jesus’ healing powers and had no doubt that the Lord would be able to restore their brother to health. They were motivated by faith in Christ.
In all three of these stories there is a desire to grow closer to Christ. Peter wants to be with Christ, the Prodigal with his father, and the four men to bring their friend to the Lord. We must share this desire to grow towards a life with Christ!
The fall brings a sense of newness every year. Summer has come to a close and children are entering new classrooms or schools. Just like the beginning of the calendar year, the beginning of the Academic Year brings with it the opportunity to set goals.
At the beginning of the calendar year you set goals for yourself, a “New Year’s Resolution;” thus, I am encouraging you to consider a similar pledge as we embark on the new Ecclesiastical (Church) Year.
What goals will you set for yourself and your family this year as the Ecclesiastical Year begins? All of our Parish’s programs are getting ready to fire up and kick-off. Will you be a part of these ministries? What will you do to ensure a solid foundation for you and your family? Have you discussed your motivation for attending Church and goals for your spiritual life?
The Orthodox Church is a place for growth and development. Too often we mistaken it for a museum, and consider the Divine Liturgy a concert “performed” by the Priest and the Chanters. The Liturgy offers the opportunity of renewal! It is the ultimate an approaching Christ. It is here that we receive His very BODY and BLOOD, where we come into commUNION with Him!
Don’t let the Church become a social club or a house of gossip, but let it be for you the steps of faith that Peter took, let it be the Father’s embrace of the Prodigal, and through the Church, let us find friends that would tear the roof off of a building to lead us towards Christ!
