We all have labels that we use to define ourselves and others. We use terms that describe our relationships, our occupation, our hobbies, where we live…the list goes on and on. But our first description should be “I am a Christian,” or as a good friend of mine says “I am a child of God.” Jesus is telling us in today’s Gospel that this definition must be first. It must be the most important. That means that everything we think, say, and do needs to reflect this definition…to rephrase that, everything we think, say, and do should define us as Jesus’ followers. That takes a huge commitment. It means more than just listening to Jesus’ words, it means living them. It means a new way of looking at life, and the things we hold dear. Everything we are, everything we accomplish, and everything we “possess” are gifts from God. They are not our possessions, they are not our accomplishments, but rather all belong to God. This concept goes against the grain of today’s possession-driven society that places immense importance on what we own, what we do for a living, how much money we have, who we know, etc. If we see all these things for what they really are, it should have an impact on their importance in our lives and on how we share them with others. Does this sound hard or intimidating? It sure does to me. This is an example of God’s way of thinking vs. man’s way of thinking. We can’t do it alone, but we don’t have to. The first reading tells us that God pours out the Holy Spirit upon us to help us begin to see things as God does. Guided by the Spirit, we CAN live as Jesus taught us. It is a lifelong challenge, but the reward is certainly worth the effort. Reflection by parishioner, John Ceglarek