Word to the Wise
Thursday, September 20, 2007 - St. Andrew Kim and Companions, Korean Martyrs
[1 Timothy 4:12-16 and Luke 7:36-50]Attend to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in both tasks, for by doing so you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.
When I give retreats for priests and religious, there is one session where I speak about the necessity of practicing good "hygiene." I'm not talking here (at least not primarily) about taking a shower daily and wearing clean clothes! Rather I'm speaking about good physical, emotional and spiritual hygiene. As the scripture says, "Do not neglect the gift you have received." Well, lots of folks do. What takes over is ministry and chores (or, in the case of secular life, career and chores). Relationships inevitably suffer - with God, with spouse, with children or fellow members of the religious community and with one's self, too! Physical well-being will suffer because of poor sleeping habits or eating habits or lack of exercise. (I'm amazed at how many healthcare career students at our college stand outside smoking cigarettes!) Exhausted or career-obsessed folks just don't have time to pray. The religious ones will say, "My work is my prayer!" I've had more than one spouse say, "He/she is really married to his/her career!" The Letter to Timothy is aimed at making sure the disciple stays in shape to get the job done in a way that is profound and healthy. We're included too! AMEN
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