By Kristina Brandl
Food Market Program Manager, Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska
“The glory of God is human being fully alive.”
When I first read this quote from St. Irenaeus years ago, I was taken aback. It confirmed the direction I was headed in. I had found so much freedom in pursuing truth and discipline, regardless of how consistently, or well, I was applying that truth. As I am writing this article now, I am reminded once again of how this potent quote continues to affect me; how important it is to both receive the Lord’s love and then return it back by honoring Him in how I live.
The saints are shining examples of those who lived well; albeit, at the very least, choosing to rise again and again regardless of how many times they fell. Each day they were given the choice to live a freedom that is characteristic of excellence and not the reductionist worldview of simply fulfilling pleasure. But they couldn’t do it alone. The saints allowed God into every aspect of their lives (physically, emotionally, intellectually, spiritually, socially, etc.) They humbly worked in cooperation with the Lord, despite their circumstances and capacities.
Like the saints, I have the freedom to cooperate with the Lord each day if I allow myself the space to encounter Him. That is where true transformation can happen. And those opportunities of encounter happen even in the small choices of daily life. What I consume through the food I eat, the media I watch, and even the people I surround myself with will either encourage or stifle my growth in this fullness. However, when I choose to cultivate a life filled with things that nourish and heal me, I have the freedom to embrace a life that is more reflective of the likeness of God and, subsequently, I become more myself.
As we near All Saints Day and All Souls Day, you may hear the phrase “Memento Mori: Remember Your Death.” May I suggest that, while it is a good reminder that our end is not in this life, it is just as important to remember we have been given the incredible gift to live. And contrary to following popular worldly slang like “YOLO” (You Only Live Once), “DIFTP” (Do It For The Plot), or “Carpe Diem” (Seize the Day), to live “fully alive” is found in the freedom to choose between what is good, and even best, for us opposite the alternatives that separate us from a deeper relationship with the Lord, ourselves, and others. So, yes, we will die one day; but have you decided how you’re going to live?
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Fuel your one beautiful life! This recipe is inspired by St. Hubert who is the patron saint of hunters. After praying with St. Hildegard of Bingen, patroness of musicians, I am also sharing some music that is largely inspired by 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. St. Hubert and St. Hildegard of Bingen, pray for us!
