As we get older, we get weaker. We know our characters don't automatically mature with the years. Faith also does not deepen by itself. As hard as it is to grow old well, it takes a lot of hard work and effort to deepen our faith.
The writer has lived a considerable amount of time as a priest. He has Mass almost every day. The grace of the Eucharist is received every day. However, he cannot confidently say that his faith and character have improved and deepened since becoming a priest. It feels like the pure passion and faith of those days are now only a memory.
Does the sacramental grace lead us to salvation, but not our personal transformation? From a theological point of view, salvation is not achieved through our own efforts. Moral achievement and personal maturity are separate matters from salvation. Salvation is given as a gift in grace and faith. We believe in the efficacy of the sacraments in terms of salvation and grace. Formal and customary celebrations of the sacraments without devotion and concentration of the heart will not change our character.
The level and dignity of a nation go hand in hand with the level and dignity of its citizens. An outstanding political leader, any important political event may affect the appearance and level of maturity of a country, but it has its limits. We realize that true change and improvement of a country will not occur unless the overall capacity of citizens is strengthened.
The same is true of the problem of change and renewal of the church. The image of believers is the image of the church. True change and renewal of the church are impossible if believers do not strive for maturity of their faith and spirituality.
The change and renewal of a community must go hand in hand with the change and renewal of its members. But how can individual change and renewal be achieved? We know that people don't change easily. The passing of time produces only inertia. What can change us? What is needed at the individual level to change people?
However, if you look around, you will find that only those who learn and study with an open and humble attitude can change and mature a little. Only through this study can we gradually change and mature. Studying is not everything, but the sign of change starts with studying.
The boundaries between study and reflection are blurred. Studying and reflection are similar in terms of thinking and asking fundamental questions. Self-reflection is very important. The true meaning of reflection does not consist in reflection on others, that is, judging others. Of course, sometimes it is important to discern the right and wrong of others and the structural evils of society. However, it is more appropriate to say that it is critical consciousness and critical thinking rather than a reflection. Realizing your own shortcomings, confessing that you are a sinner, and asking God for help. Recognizing one's own shortcomings enables empathy and solidarity with others. Only introspection can lead you on the path of change and renewal.
Daily practice Every place in our daily life is a place of meditation. The place where you stand and where you live is the place of training and meditation. First of all, daily performance is revealed in the way we respond to things that come to us. Some things that come we have no choice. But I can choose how to respond. It is a practice to respond in a way of faith to all that comes to pass. Responding to all things that come to you, whether sad or happy, with the eyes and attitude of faith.
Second, daily practice is to put your heart into what you are doing and set your intentions. Even if it's just a repetitive task, if you do it while remembering the purpose of the task, giving it a healthy religious orientation and giving meaning to it, focusing your mind and putting your heart into it, then that is training.
Third, daily practice is acting on the stage of life believing that God is the director and producer and to perform the role assigned to us with all our might.
We will be changed and renewed through the way we respond to what comes to us, the purpose, intention, and sincerity of what we do in our life time.
Only study, reflection, and daily practice will make us mature. Would it be too much of a reduction to say that the change and renewal of the world and the church depended on the study, reflection, and daily practice? I hope there are effective and ingenious methods for change and renewal. But the truth of life may always be simple. When we change, the church and the world changes.
