In today's first reading from Acts 5:17-26, an angel releases the Apostles from prison, then tells them to stand in the temple and tell the people all about this new life. In the gospel, Jesus tells Nicodemus that God so loved the world that he sent his Son so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. (John 3:16-21). We believe in Jesus our Saviour and want to live in that new and eternal life but sometimes have doubts if we can live it as we are conscious of our own weaknesses and failings.
Recently I read some advice that I have found very helpful. It was not from the Bible or in a spiritual book but in a novel by one of my favourite writers, Dick Francis. When a character in one of his books was asked how he can act in such a special way, he replied that he looks deeply into his heart to discover what his motives are.
We can be aware of our failings even confess for example that I often judge and criticize other people. But to change that way of acting, it is not enough to simply recognize it. I have found that I can change if I analyse my motives. Why do I always judge that person? Because he annoys me. Again why? Then I discover that it is because he does not do things the way I would do them and I am sure that my way is the right way and so he or she is wrong. But now I am forced to ask myself why I think that my way is the only way. Finally I have to admit that the other person's way is just as good as mine and he's free to do it his way. In nearly every case, I find that my motives are based on pride. So I thank you, Lord, because the wisdom that I learnt from Dick Francis helped me to overcome my pride and enter a little more into the new life you promise which I hope will be eternal.
Fr Don Hornsey lives and works in Aotearoa/NZ
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