Feast of the Presentation of the Lord
Today’s readings begin: “The Lord God said, ‘It is not suitable for the man to be alone. I will make a suitable partner for him.’” Let that first line sink in. It is not suitable to be alone – man, woman, child – we are not made to be alone. We are made to be in partnership, in community.
But what does it mean to be a partner? To be a partner does not simply mean to co-exist with another. This call to partnership is a call to work with another, to be intimately connected and united, taking action towards a goal. As Christians, that goal is heaven. We are made to be partners on the journey, working together to bring about God’s kingdom.
As a wife and parent, I can attest to the fact that partnership is rarely the easy or fun choice. But partnering is the refining choice. Having to partner with another person requires us to practice humility, charity, generosity, forgiveness, prudence, wisdom, understanding. The Holy Spirit grants us these virtues as a reminder that we are called to partner with others and with God. We need the Spirit with us on this journey to sanctification. Let us remember we do not take on this challenge alone.
As Christians we look to Christ as our model of what it means to live in partnership and communion with others – it means servanthood, selflessness and gift. Throughout this day, may you be reminded that we are not meant to be alone. We walk this road with a servant’s heart, humbly partnering with one another, as we work to bring God’s Kingdom on Earth, as it is in heaven.
-AJ Grimm