The science of mathematics is full of wonders. Take, for example, such mathematical symbols as the minus sign and the plus sign. Basically, they are very similar in appearance. The minus sign is a short horizontal bar, whereas the plus sign is the same horizontal bar crossed with a vertical bar. Deprived of its crossbar, the plus sign is no longer a plus sign but becomes a minus sign. As such, it spells negativity, lack, deprivation. A minus number designates a quantity less than zero. It suggests disadvantage, loss, deficit. But once it is crossed with a vertical bar, everything changes. The minus sign become a plus sign, and this entails positivity, advantage, gain, profit, abundance.
This example can serve to illustrate the mechanics of the spiritual life. Without a personal relationship with God, without a vertical dimension in our lives, without an upward connection with heaven, our existence becomes a mere
minus sign, a flat horizon limited to this world. And then nothing makes sense, nothing satisfies us, nothing sparkles! How-ever, when we lift our eyes toward God and invite him into our lives, everything changes from negativity to
positivity. Is it a mere coincidence that the plus sign has the shape of a cross? When we embrace the cross in our lives - which means accepting to die to our selfishness in order to love and serve others - then our lives blossom into something beautiful. This basic truth was spelled out by Jesus in this simple and crystal clear statement: ‘Without me you can do nothing.’ (Jn 15:5)
That statement of Jesus is perfectly illustrated in today’s gospel reading. This incident happened sometime between the Resurrection and the Ascension of Jesus. Jesus was not with those seven disciples. All night they toiled, but in vain. When daybreak came, they had caught nothing. However, when Jesus showed up and took the lead of the operation by telling them what to do, they made a magnificent catch. In short, without Jesus they experienced failure
but with Jesus they succeeded beautifully. ‘Without me you can do nothing.’
The apostle Paul was acutely aware of this basic principle of spiritual life. Without Christ, as he wrote to the Romans, ‘I do not do the good I want, but I do the evil I do not want. (7:19) However, everything changed with the powerful presence of Christ in his life. With him present, Paul wrote to the Philippians, ‘I can do anything through him who strengthens me.’ (4:13)
365 Days With the Lord Nil Guillemette SJ
This example can serve to illustrate the mechanics of the spiritual life. Without a personal relationship with God, without a vertical dimension in our lives, without an upward connection with heaven, our existence becomes a mere
minus sign, a flat horizon limited to this world. And then nothing makes sense, nothing satisfies us, nothing sparkles! How-ever, when we lift our eyes toward God and invite him into our lives, everything changes from negativity to
positivity. Is it a mere coincidence that the plus sign has the shape of a cross? When we embrace the cross in our lives - which means accepting to die to our selfishness in order to love and serve others - then our lives blossom into something beautiful. This basic truth was spelled out by Jesus in this simple and crystal clear statement: ‘Without me you can do nothing.’ (Jn 15:5)
That statement of Jesus is perfectly illustrated in today’s gospel reading. This incident happened sometime between the Resurrection and the Ascension of Jesus. Jesus was not with those seven disciples. All night they toiled, but in vain. When daybreak came, they had caught nothing. However, when Jesus showed up and took the lead of the operation by telling them what to do, they made a magnificent catch. In short, without Jesus they experienced failure
but with Jesus they succeeded beautifully. ‘Without me you can do nothing.’
The apostle Paul was acutely aware of this basic principle of spiritual life. Without Christ, as he wrote to the Romans, ‘I do not do the good I want, but I do the evil I do not want. (7:19) However, everything changed with the powerful presence of Christ in his life. With him present, Paul wrote to the Philippians, ‘I can do anything through him who strengthens me.’ (4:13)
365 Days With the Lord Nil Guillemette SJ
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