Ecclesial Person: Small, Significant

Early into my 80th year, my aspiration for whatever time is granted me is obvious: to become every single day an  Ecclesial Person...clearly, zealously, intelligently, serenely, passionately, joyfully.

An EP is NOT an individual: isolated, alone, autonomous, alienated, competitive, willful, annoyed, frustrated, indignant, adrift, lethargic, despairing.

An EP is in mystical communion with Christ, the whole Christ, his Body the Church, the Church on earth (militant), the Church in purgatory (suffering), the Church in heaven (triumphant).

An EP is small. He has a very limited, humble, specific place in the scheme of things. But it is significant. It is something NO ONE else can do. He is indispensable. 

An EP is relaxed. He is not in charge. God is in charge. Everyone else has their own missions to perform. His is simple, obvious, easy. He makes his act of thanks. He makes his act of trust. He does what he is called to. He rejoices.

EVERYTHING is going according to plan. God's plan. It is called Providence. Even evil, sin, tragedy, suffering...EVERYTHING is already known by God, and incorporated into his plan to bring all of us to heaven and bring heaven to earth...right here, right now...in simple, plain, beautiful ways.

An EP is unperturbed by the apparent triumph of evil. He plays the long game. He waits, prays, hopes.

An EP grieves with the suffering, the poor, the deprived. He responds in his little way.

An EP rejoices with the entire Church: all worship, all acts of mercy, all truth, all communion of love in family and evangelical life, all witnesses to Christ to the point of death, all virginity, all proclamation of the word, all sacramental acts, all sacramentals and icons, all music of praise. 

An EP is alert, poised, vigilant, responsive...renouncing evil...engaging, celebrating, elaborating the good. 

An EP is stable, reliable, serene, enduring, reassuring. 

An EP is energetic, optimistic, zealous, spontaneous, serendipitous, explosive, comedic, refreshing.

An EP is receptive of the Eternal-Love-Live of the Trinity.

An EP expresses this Love concretely, in the here and now, simply, modestly, elegantly, honestly.

Happiness is...being an EP.

All I really want to be, for the rest of my life, is an Ecclesial Person!