Where Have I Taken My Faith?

   For today, I have a more serious theme than those in recent posts. I am asking the question, where have I taken my faith? This introspective topic was born from a train of thought induced by my youngest brother's recent First Communion. Last Sunday, my sibling walked up to the altar, before the congregation and before God, and received for the very first time, Jesus in the Eucharist. It was, as a First Communion always is, a very joyous occasion. He was most excited by the ability to become an altar server. But beyond all the aesthetics of his growing age and physical and mental maturity, there is a certain spiritual maturity which is also required in order to receive Jesus in the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity.

   Thinking of this started me down a path of thought back to the time when I was making my First Holy Communion, receiving the Eucharist for the first time. I felt incredibly responsible, mature and grown-up in every way. I knew that I loved the Lord more than anything. Granted, I was a child and I preferred reading and playing Legos over going to Mass, but God had a special place in my life. He still does. There is that particular youthful innocence, however, that makes one dedicated to following the commandments. As a young adult, I understand the consequences of sin and am therefore wary of it, but as a child, I refrained from sin simply to not hurt God or my parents.

   Many years after my First Communion came Confirmation. Now I was older in the Church's eyes; old enough to decide for myself whether or not I would remain a Catholic, a follower of Christ. I, of course, chose to remain; chose to continue to walk in the footsteps left behind by our Lord. And, while I was Confirmed with no less conviction than when I received Communion for the first time, it was different. A different feeling, a different sacrament. I had no more of that youthful innocence which I had all those years ago. I fully understood 'what I was getting myself into', per se.

   Now, less than two months away from turning eighteen, I'm asking myself the question, where have I taken my faith? I'll be honest with the answer: I'm not sure. Allow me to clarify here. I know who God is; I know His Law and His Word. But practicing the faith is a whole 'nother animal. Just at home, trying to be loving to my siblings even when they are driving me crazy, being respectful to my parents despite how angry I might be, and just plain following in Christ's footsteps. It's a daily challenge, and sometimes I feel as though I'm coming out ahead, but other times I can tell I've fallen behind. I find that such introspection as I have in this post can help you find where you need to change. So if you find yourself wondering "where have I taken my faith?", try reading the Bible to see what God expects of you as His child and compare these guidelines he shares with us against how you treat others as well as yourself. Only He can show you the way, and He does. However, He can't make you follow. You need to take that step yourself. I pray that you do.

~Ian James~