Staying Connected

As a phrase goes on modern gadgets to “stay connected,” the same phrase may also be applied to inter-personal relationships and beyond to one’s communion with God. The incarnation heralded the marvelous oneness between God and man when the Eternal Word took upon himself our mortal nature. “The Lord has made his salvation known; all the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God” (Ps 98:2-3). Our God is a God who reaches out his hand in understanding and friendship; our Father in heaven wants to stay connected with the humanity saved by his Son and to help us continue Jesus’ mission of conversion, transformation and sanctification in the Holy Spirit.

The start of a new year is an optimistic call to hope, to wish for betterment/improvement in our dealings and ventures into the unknown. What happened to our past wishes? Have they been realistic and taken us closer to our life-goal, ultimately our union with the Creator? Have we been giving the best of ourselves, thinking less of self and more of the other in need? Have we taken advantage of moments of silent reflection and prayer to search deep into our heart’s longings and cling to the Love born in a poor manger and sacrificed on the Cross? A simple attempt to connect with God is prayer, and it matters not how crudely short it may be as long as it comes from the heart.

Nonetheless, the God we seek dwells in our hearts and in all peoples. The New Year beckons us to show others—friends or strangers—the best of ourselves, and likewise to appreciate the good that is in them. Let others see and accept what you have always wanted to be, with your God-given gifts. A kind heart will never forget the acts of charity that could be done, with a radiating spirit of gladness. Indeed this outlook will become a glorious stepping stone to an inter-connective spirit that will bring the world to unity and peace among all cultures. “Know that the Lord is God, he made us, his we are; his people, the flock he tends” (Ps 100:3).