Memorial of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Religious
When we are children, we often think in terms we might call black and white. As we grow older we are taught to think more broadly and it becomes more difficult to see the world in this way. This can be so true that we find black and white thinking offensive. Yet sometimes the contrast is precisely what we need in order to refocus our being.
This lesson in contrast was understood by Charles Dickens in his book “A Christmas Carol.” Bob Cratchit and Ebenezer Scrooge couldn’t have been more different. Bob, a faithful husband and Christian, and Scrooge is a curmudgeon who detests generosity and despises Christmas. Dickens goes so far as to describe the character of Scrooge as a sinner. The power of this tale is in its allowing the reader to pull back the layers of Ebenezer’s life so as to see how he became the man whom everyone despised. These layers are also shown to Scrooge himself and he sees the past, present, and the future in a way challenges him to be transformed. In the light of the truth, he chose to no longer remain in darkness. The contrast allowed Ebenezer to be resolved that sin would no longer reside at his house.
Dickens’ contrast is echoed throughout scripture. In today’s first reading from First John we find a very black and white approach to understanding humanity. Those who are righteous are children of God and those who sin are children of the Devil. This language is enough to rattle even the most faithful, for are we all not still sinners? None the less the contrast is there and must be addressed. In pulling back and examining the verses at either end of this reading we better understand its context. We realize that these verses are there precisely to remind and encourage the faithful. John wants the believers to understand that a faithful life, well lived, will contrast sharply from the way of those in live the world. The contrast was meant to be encouragement in light of the world’s response of hatred toward their righteousness.
The movement of the gospel is in a similar vein. The disciples are drawn away from John the Baptist or away from their ordinary lives to follow the “Lamb of God”. This lamb is the teacher whom they recognize as the Messiah. Scrooge was drawn to the light as the Spirit helped him recognize the power of Christmas. For these disciples, the light had come and dwell among them and they were drawn to it. Are we allowing ourselves to be drawn to the light? Or is “ba humbug” the storyline to which we are currently tied? Sometimes a good story or scripture can be the lesson in contrast that we need to help us refocus the direction of our lives.
For Elizabeth Ann Seton whose feast we celebrate today facing the harsh realities of life must have been difficult. Elizabeth, an Episcopalian married William Seton and they raised five children amid suffering and sickness. The lengthy illness of her husband ended in death leaving her with the children while in Italy. There the example the Sisters drew her to profess faith as a Catholic. Upon her return to the United States she raised her children, established a Catholic School and founded a religious order. Elizabeth chose to not allow the circumstances of suffering to chain her life. Instead she allowed her faith to draw her into a life of service.
“Lord, continue to call us towards You alone. Through the example and prayers of Elizabeth, may we learn to express our love for You and for all those around us. Amen!”
-Michael Montgomery