Made for Communion with God

As a unity of body and soul, our whole nature is made for communion with God. Only this unity comprises the human person. 

Faith 

As we settle into the new year and tidy up the remnants of Christmas, it is good to pause and take in all that has passed. For some, the memories are bitter; for others, they are sweet. Yet they still bring forth an inner sense of longing for “something more.” The reality of this “something more” is that we are created in God’s image and likeness (Gen 1:26) and composed of body and soul. In addition, we have intellect and will, enabling us to seek “something more.”   

In this seeking, the key is always maintaining a balance between body and soul and acknowledging that our whole nature is made for communion. This is the beauty of the virtuous life that enables us to maintain an interior equilibrium, a still point that keeps God as our “something more.”  

May we join in Jesus’ prayer to His Father as He reveals the answer to our longing: “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” (John 17:3). 

Spot the Virtue  

The virtue of affability is simple. It means being friendly. We have all experienced the inner joy of encountering a friendly person. They’re quick to introduce themselves and make you feel welcome, whether you are alone or in a crowd. In a conversation, you sense their interest through their exterior demeanor of eye contact, a smile, and receptivity to your thoughts. An affable person is confident and doesn’t need to be loud or draw attention to themselves. Instead, they bring comfort and security in times of joy and sorrow.   

Name: Anna, I noticed you invited your new classmate to sit with you and your friends at lunch. 

Explain: This shows you practiced the virtue of affability because you welcomed her, knowing she didn’t know anyone and was probably a bit nervous. 

Express: Thank you for welcoming her and making her feel a part of the class. 

Spot this virtue in at least one person this week. 

Prayer 

Read John 17:1-4.