In less than one week, I discovered how handicapped I was by not having my driver's license (which I have misplaced). When I went to vote, even though the person signing me in was a parishioner, I had to present a "government issued document" with my picture on it in order to vote. Fortunately, I had a passport close by, so I was allowed to vote. The same rejection came when I recently tried to give blood and was told I needed the same kind of document that I mentioned above. I left appreciating how important it is to have something "official" that identifies who I am.
Thankfully I don't have to carry a card around that says I am a Christian. Much more important it is that I and we show in demeanor, in word and in deed that we are a Christian. The time of Lent is meant, among a number of things, to train and prepare us to be better "ambassadors for Christ," humbly recognizing and admitting that at times we fail to show people that Christ and his ways are the light that leads us through the ups and downs of life. When we fail, the Lord is always there to lift us up with his mercy and make us more pleasing to him and to others.
While I almost said in both of the instances above "you can trust me that I am who I say I am" to the people that asked for "proper" identification, I hope all of us strive, with the grace and inspiration of the Lord, to proudly and in truth identify ourselves as disciples of Christ who live for his honor and glory!
Thankfully I don't have to carry a card around that says I am a Christian. Much more important it is that I and we show in demeanor, in word and in deed that we are a Christian. The time of Lent is meant, among a number of things, to train and prepare us to be better "ambassadors for Christ," humbly recognizing and admitting that at times we fail to show people that Christ and his ways are the light that leads us through the ups and downs of life. When we fail, the Lord is always there to lift us up with his mercy and make us more pleasing to him and to others.
While I almost said in both of the instances above "you can trust me that I am who I say I am" to the people that asked for "proper" identification, I hope all of us strive, with the grace and inspiration of the Lord, to proudly and in truth identify ourselves as disciples of Christ who live for his honor and glory!