Excerpt from Matthew 24:45-51 

"But if that wicked slave says to himself, 'My master is delayed,' and he begins to beat his fellow slaves, and eats and drinks with drunkards, the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour that he does not know."

Reflection by Felix Carrion

When I turned 50 last month, my oldest son kidded with me. He said, "Well, Dad, it's all downhill from here." We shared a hearty laugh.

How does one escape the sure lot that befalls everyone? How do we reconcile ourselves with the ever-present end?
Moving onward and upward, there are some resolutions I would like to work on for myself (and offer to others as possibilities).

Meditate more on death. Although this sounds morbid, it really isn't.  The more one's mortality becomes one's daily bread, the deeper the inhalation and the longer the exhalation. The distinction between the present hour and the eternal one will incite awakened laughter when the virtual veil between the two becomes completely translucent.

Seek mastery of one life alone:   my own. With God's help I will seek to be the master of this one household, my life. I am convinced that mastery of one's life begins with love for the one you have been, the one you are now, and the one you are becoming. The wonderful gift of self-forgiveness is born in compassion for oneself. Reverence for another's life, and indeed for all creation, begins with reverence for one’s own journey.

Never, ever, think that it is too late to go after my dreams. I will seek to remember that every day is a new day and each moment a born-again hour. I will gather my efforts to imagine again paths opening and beckoning: do not be afraid. I will take up the pieces and make them one unified whole.

Awaken each morning with gratitude in my heart and a "thank you" upon my lips. Then I will quietly wait for the smile to make its first visit of the day.

Prayer

O God, how majestic is the breath of life. Amen!

About the Author Felix Carrion is Coordinator of The Stillspeaking Ministry, United Church of Christ.

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