Sometimes, it is helpful to get back to basics, to simplify what we have made complicated. Whether we are talking about life in general or a particular area of life, it is good to occasionally go back to the ABCs and regroup.
Since I am a word-and-letter person, I will concentrate on spiritual life. It can be overwhelming to concentrate on too many subjects at once, so let’s just use a few of the many ABCs.
“A” reminds us of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We are all asked to do many ordinary things during our lives, but Mary was chosen to the extraordinary, to carry and give birth to the Savior of the world. The Bible passages about the angel’s visit are not long, but Mary’s fiat and the everlasting effects of her generosity and humility should propel us into a feeling of wondrous gratitude.
Another favorite “A” for me is “Abba.” St. Paul, in his letter to the Galatians (4:6-7) tells us,
And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.
That closeness of children to their Daddy, Abba, warms our hearts and gives us the strength and joy to try to live as adopted, loved members of God’s family.
We move on to some “Bs”. Do we think much about the gift of our baptism? The gift of the Holy Spirit, that same Spirit that came to the disciples on Pentecost, that unified the people, that brought purity and zeal and fire, came to us. We are given a “clean slate,” a fresh start on holiness as we are welcomed into the Body of Christ, the Church. Although most of us were babies when we were baptized, we were equipped with spiritual gifts to help us on our life-long journey to holiness.
Another “B” that we might take for granted is the Bible. I don’t know if Bibles still sit in drawers in hotel and motel rooms, but I do know we can have that wonderful book in our homes and not open it to read as often as we should. We get busy and distracted. We might think the readings during the weekly liturgy we attend are enough inspiration. Butr even a few minutes of reading from sacred scripture can put a different light on the day, can give a new way or reason to praise and thank our loving God for his blessings. Let the dust rest on some other books!
The letter “C” can point to Christ. He is the “anointed one.” He is our Savior King. We can imagine ourselves sitting with Christ in a throne room. He is a King we can trust, a King who came down to our level on earth. He understands. He forgives. He teaches. Most of all, he loves. Let us anoint him with our words of praise and open hearts overflowing with love. Let’s take the time to do this every day.
One more “C” to think about is Catholicism. We should feel very blessed to be members of the Catholic Church. We have a fullness of truth. Although the Church has its challenges, we are in this together, with Peter’s successor as our leader and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. We have the Blessed Virgin Mary as the Church’s prayerful Mother. We have guidance, the sacraments, and the Divine Eucharistic Presence.
Now we’ve shared some ABCs; next time won’t you pray with me?
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Photograph: Brett Jordan on UnSplash
The Scripture passage is from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Sharon Krause is a RENEW volunteer whose writing has appeared in several resources for small-group faith sharing. She is a wife, mother, and grandmother residing in Manchester, Connecticut. Over the years, she has served in many parish ministries.