But I Don't Wanna Change!

Have you ever looked at the world and wished you could change it?  Either stopping wars or terrorism, or having Michael Phelps win all 28 golds vs. his 23 gold, 3 silver, and 2 bronze!  Have you ever looked at our country?  Wouldn't it be nice to change the hearts of our politicians, or political system?  Do you see the violence that is exploding everywhere and wish you could bring peace?  Have you ever looked at your town and wish to change it?  Maybe have lower property taxes and improve their school system?  Have you ever wished to help your family members who are struggling?  After looking at the world, our country, town, and family, we may have time to look at ourselves and say, I wish I can change this part of my life. 

But there is a difference of wanting change, and actually being changed!  What happens when we are confronted by others to change?  Have you ever received criticism?  Have you ever been told you need to change?  How do you usually receive that criticism or fraternal correction?  If you are like me, the picture below describes it all!  "I don't wanna Change!"

This might give us insight on why the prophets in the Old Testament were usually persecuted or killed because of their message.  Jeremiah in the Old Testament reading this past weekend for the 20th Sunday of Ordinary time was thrown into a cistern.  He was called by God to confront the people to tell them to return to God and to stop their immoral actions!  And their response? They wanted to have none of it! 

But this passage can be applied to us today! The Lord never stops calling us to change! What are those things in our lives that are preventing us from turning to Him?  Here are some questions to ask: How many minutes of the Olympics did you watch this week?  How many episodes on Netflix?  How many sports games did you watch?  How many times did you turn to facebook to kill some time?  Now ask yourself the following questions:  How many times did you open the Scriptures?  How many times did you take to pray silently to God in adoration?  How many times did you take steps to invite the Lord into your hearts?

If you are like me, once you answer those questions, you can see that maybe we need to change!  Are desires to change the world, our country, our city, family can only begin if we turn to the Lord to have Him transform us! That is why I love the following quote found on a Bishop's Tombstone in Westminster Abbey.

“When I was young and free, and my imagination had no limits, I imagined changing the world; as I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change.  So I shorten my sights to my own country, but it too seemed immovable.  As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me.  But alas they would not have any of it.  And now as I am on my death bed.  I suddenly realize if I had only changed myself first, then by example I would have changed my family, from their inspiration and encouragement, I would have changed or even bettered my country.  Who knows I might have changed the world.” 

The Lord is calling us to change!  Let us turn to Him for strength to do just that!