Living an Authentic Life

Today, in our liturgical calendar, we celebrate the life of Edmund, ninth century King of East Anglia. Edmund was born about 840, became king in about 855, and was martyred in 870 at the hands of invading Danes. Apparently, the leaders of the invaders offered Edmund peace on condition that he rule as a vassal king and outlaw the practice of Christianity. Edmund refused this last condition and was killed.

Of course, we have no idea what went through Edmund's mind as he considered his choices. More thank likely, he experienced temptation to sell out so that he could continue to live. He must have debated in his mind, trying to justify compromising for the sake of living. However, Edmund decided that to do so, he would lose his soul. He would no longer live an authentic life. The compromise would be too great.

Isn't this one of the great challenges that all of us face at different times as we walk the spiritual path. How many times in a week, or even in a day, do we face choices that, ultimately, have to do with living authentically or compromising. Each small choice may seem insignificant. However, over time, these little choices add up. Soon, we find that we have left the authentic life that we seek far behind. It reminds me of the words of Jesus, "What does it profit a person if he or she gains the whole world but forfeits his or her soul?"

What does it mean to you to live an authentic life? In what parts of your life do you find yourself living in a less than authentic way? Pray that God would help all of us to remain true to ourselves, to our values, to the Gospel to which we have pledged ourselves so that we can live the way that God intends for us to live - so that we can live authentically!

Peace,
Fr. Greg