Imitation

Years ago I visited my brother and his family. At that time his son and daughter were then quite young and very active. One morning I was awakened by them jumping up and down, doing faux karate kicks and rolling around the floor. Having a great time! I asked what was going on and they solemnly explained that they were 'Ninja Mutant Turtles' whom I learned later were characters from a then very popular children’s show. They were imitating how the cartoon turtles acted on television. Funny, and I am sure that those blessed with children have many similar stories.

But it is not just children who imitate others, in fact, we all do, sometimes in small ways, sometimes going so far as to model our life around the actions of others.

Who do we imitate and what do we get out of it?

This is one of the questions which today's readings poses. St. Paul asks us to imitate Christ, which means loving (even our enemies!), being generous, grateful and centering our life on God. Not to copy the famous or movie stars with more bling or the latest I Phone but how we imitate Jesus in loving- that is the standard that matters.

Imitation of Christ leads not to a diminishment of life ( i.e. missing out on all the 'fun'!) but its achievement in a deeper way; a transformation that can make us more human and less chained by sin, fear, and ego. The Gospel reading tells us about the Transfiguration where Jesus met with Moses and Elijah, each with bodies radiating light (scholars say this is possibly a post-Easter event woven into the Gospel by Luke to make a point for his congregation!). Just as Jesus at Mt. Tabor is transfigured so through grace we can slowly be transformed if we choose to daily imitate Him. But unlike on Mount Tabor our transformation is neither instantaneous nor pain free. Nonetheless, imitation of Christ leads to our transformation into people who are more loving, grateful, generous and alive to the wonders of creation. And a person in love not only is transformed but helps transform others through love.

Imitation of Christ opens our hearts to those around us as well as those whom we do not see. The poor, our brothers and sisters in Christ, around the world are suffering and pleading for help. Mission Doctors Association heeds that call and dedicates itself to sending many fine men and women to give medical care to the world’s poor. MDA also offers a way for us to help this fine work.
 
Today's guest blog post is contributed by Brother John Kiesler, OFM is a member of the facility of the Franciscan School of Theology in California. Brother John is a member of the Formation Facility for long-term missionaries through Mission Doctors and presents at the Annual Retreat Seminar on the theology of mission. Additionally he serves as a member of the Board of Directors for Mission Doctors Association.