We reflected on “Joyfulness” as our theme of Reflection in 2011. I now offer you “Being Steadfast” as our theme for Reflection in 2012. I plan to bring you a message of “Being Steadfast” as part of our “Daily Reflection”. We want to explore “Being Steadfast” in all its dimensions and look at the possibility of cultivating “steadfastness” as our way of being, of living and acting. I invite all of you to walk with me on this journey of being and becoming steadfast and learning to walk faithfully and joyfully.
“Be steadfast, persevering, my beloved brothers, fully engaged in the work of the Lord”1:Cor.15:58.
Steadfastness is the nature and character of God. The Psalmist tells us that God’s love and faithfulness have embraced. His love and fidelity have become one…they have fused into one. He cannot but love. God’s covenant love is absolutely reliable. His Love is steadfast (Psalm 85). It is also the quality of being Christian. To be steadfast is to be firm in purpose, to be resolute, to be unwavering, to be tenacious, and to be faithful and loyal just as our God is.
I do not know the author of the following story. I want to share it with you as it gives us a beautiful and inspiring image of steadfast love.
“It was a busy morning, about 8:30 am, when an elderly gentleman in his 80′s, arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb.He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am. I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would be able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch, and decided, since Iwas not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound. On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound.
While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor’s appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry. The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast
with his wife. I inquired as to her health; he told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer’s disease. As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late. He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now.
I was surprised, and asked him, ‘And you still go every morning, even though she doesn’t know who you are’? He smiled as he patted my hand and said, ‘She doesn’t know me, but I still know who she is’. I
had to hold back tears as he left; I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought, ‘That is the kind of love I want in my life’. True love is neither physical, nor romantic. True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be.” This truly is an amazing and inspiring image of steadfast love.
Steadfast love is unconditional, unconquerable, unfailing, unchanging, constant, enduring,and eternal. This is the nature of covenant love, the nature God’s Love.
I pray for you and I pray for all, who, at this moment, are welcoming the gift of this New Year with all its uncertainties. May God bless you and enable you to experience His steadfast, unfailing, unconquerable
and unconditional Love. And may you learn to love as God does. I pray that you will be steadfast, faithful, loyal and unfailing in all the situations that you encounter. May this New Year be the most amazing, fascinating, marvelous, wonderful and joy-filled year for you and for those you love! May God bless you with the richest and finest of his blessings!
This is my prayer for you:
May the year 2012 be God’s wonderful gift to you and I pray that you will make it a gracious and joyful gift to all you meet on your journey. May God bless you with the richest and finest of his blessings and keep you safe in the center of His Love!
Fr. Gus