Believing is Seeing

Happy New Year!  Yes, we have begun yet another year in our human history.  There are those who see this ending of one chapter (2008) and the beginning of a new (2009) as the opportunity to put behind us our mistakes and problems and get a fresh start.  Those of us who believe in Christ know that we have each day for that reality — each hour or even each minute. 

Among the wonderful couple of days I had (New Years Eve and Day) surrounded by family and friends I had the opportunity to watch the movie The Chronicles of Narnia — Prince Caspian.   I love C.S. Lewis and have read many of the things he has written.  And I am delighted to admit that the books in the Chronicles of Narniaseries are among my favorites.  Tolstoy has nothing to worry about with his long winded explanations and narratives but as friends they shared a lot of the same images.  So, when the movie started to play I settled down to allow the story to take me away.  And, Walt Disney production did a good job sticking with the story line. 

My favorite scene was at the end of the movie.  The final battle was well underway.  Lucy, the smallest of the four hero’s was sent out to find Aslan.  Aslan in Lewis’ series is a lion who is the Christ/God figure for the series.  When Lucy finally finds Aslan and after there is this wonderful tender hug and laughter, Lucy exclaims with delight that she knew he was there but the “others wouldn’t believe me.”she says.  Aslan’s response:  “Why would that stop you from coming to me?”  What a great moment!  What a great line!  

Faith is a personal thing.  But we often use that as an excuse not as a foundation.  How often do we compromise our values and plans because someone else thinks its silly or stupid.  “Stay home, don’t waste your time at church”  they tell us.  WASTE time at Church!  Church is about our personal spiritual journey not about a good time.  I understand why people have difficult times with individual corrupt pastors or difficult communities but that is no excuse not to find a place to worship.  “God is only for the weak” say others.  I admit I am weak, that I need God to help me define my life and my days.  To admit otherwise is to say I am god.  “The cool people don’t need…; I have better things to do with my life; Why would I believe in a God who allows such evil…  The list goes on.  My issue is not with the people saying these things (at least not for this blog).  My issue is when we allow what others say and do to direct our decisions and to define us.

In the Catholic Church there is a very sacred moment during the Sacrament of Baptism.  The priest or the deacon will proclaim the name of the baby or individual with a loud voice — JOHN MICHAEL, I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.  (Add whatever name you want).  The name proclaimed is very important part of the ceremony because it identifies a very personal relationship between God and that person/baby.  Even when many are being baptized each persons name is said out loud and personally.  Historically, over a century ago, no one (not even the grandparents) knew the name until baptism.  This was to demonstrate that God gave the child their name… their identity.  Our relationship with God is very personal and individual.  It shouldn’t matter what others say and do as it defines our walk in faith.

Now, before you get all upset I recognize and realize there are important people who we should look to and seek directions in faith.  Our parents as we are young.  The Church has always called the family the first place of faith.  Good and holy teachers, priests, men and women religious, holy people in our lives — there are many wonderful spiritual people, books and writings but what should always come first is the Bible and the doctrine of faith.  As adults our journey is not to walk in someone else’s shoes but to walk our own walk of faith.  The only shadow that should case across our wake is that of the Lord’s.   “others wouldn’t believe me.”she says.  Aslan’s response:  “Why would that stop you from coming to me?”    

As we begin this new year; as we begin this new day my challenge is to be able to say at the end of the day, the end of the year, the end of my life:  When I saw you, Lord, I cam to you; in spite of everyone else’s lack of belief.  I came to you because I saw and I believed.  I remain, your servant in Christ,

Theresa

Explore posts in the same categories: Show Review, family, relationships, religious, spiritual

Tags: Aslan, Baptism, Chronicles of Narnia, following faith, nonbelief, personal faith, Prince Caspian

You can comment below, or link to this permanent URL from your own site.