I am who I am

01.10.2009

When reflecting on acceptance I have usually thought of accepting some suffering or misfortune but now I think there is a deeper acceptance which is accepting myself as I am. I got this idea recently when I found myself being excessively concerned with what people think about me as I often am.

For this and any other sin I should be sorry, repent, ask God’s forgiveness and strive to rid myself of it but while I have that evil tendency it is good for me to realize that’s the sort of person I am. Knowing in my heart I am who I am is the deepest acceptance there is and the best way of being united with God.

This leads me to realize the Holy Spirit dwells in us. In Chapter 14 of his Gospel St John tells us that at the Last Supper Jesus said “I shall ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you for ever, that Spirit of truth……the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send you in my name will teach you every-thing.”

Starting from Chapter 12 of his First Letter to the Corinthians St Paul tells us of the gifts the Holy Spirit brings us and in chapter 13 he tells us that the greatest of these is love.

I may be too concerned with what others think of me but  when  I  reflect  on  God’s gifts  and  hear  God’s invitation “Come as you are” I experience the peace Jesus promised “Peace I bequeath to you, my own peace I give you.” (John 14:27)

Fr Gorman is 87-years-old and living in retirement at St Columban's, Essendon. He worked as a missionary in Japan.

Read Fr Keith Gorman's other Reflections