Make a difference... for whom?

WORD 2day: Tuesday, 8th week in Ordinary time 

March 1, 2022: 1 Peter 1: 10-16; Mark 10: 28-31

Do not behave the way you liked to before you learnt the truth, says Peter in the letter. He seems to declare that on receiving the Word of God, the first difference that you have to make is to yourself. There should be a difference between you before receiving the Word and you after receiving the Word - that is the central message of the Word today. 

Making a difference remains one of the favourite themes spoken of overall, not only in the sociological or the motivational realms! However, it is almost always centred on the difference that I can make for the society, for the context where I am. Instead the difference that is spoken of here, is on a Spiritual plane, where I am called to make a difference to myself, making my whole life a constant and steady journey toward holiness. 

Holiness consists in the capacity to challenge oneself, towards making a difference within, which will certainly be seen in every aspect of life and experienced by every person around. Such a challenge and faithful adherence to it, will make us ever more disposed to receive the salvation that the Lord offers us, making us slowly a sacrament of salvation to God's own people, because the One who has called us, lives within us. 

Just imagine, a person who is earnest about making a difference within, sincere about changing one's own life on the basis of the daily challenge of the Word that wants to make a difference...will that life not be inspiring to all; beneficial to all; and a blessing to all! Think of someone who claims to be a Christian, and proclaims oneself devout, but does things in obedience to the vile interests of the evil that ruins everything! Which is the real difference that leads to holiness? 

Our holiness, which comes from the Holiest of all that is holy, is something that is there, for the sake of the other.  In giving and giving up, in obedience to the Holy Will of God, I go on towards making a difference, first and foremost for myself within, and thus for everyone around me!