10 July 2018
Saint Clare is known for saying: “We become what we love, and
who we love shapes what we become.” And that
sounds familiar because we just heard the same idea in the psalm: “Their makers
shall be like them, everyone that trusts in them.” And, of course, we all know the familiar
proverb: “You are what you eat.”
Whatever we love or enjoy; whatever we give all our time and
attention to, that’s what shapes who we are and what we become. And this is actually a practical bit of
wisdom—especially if, for example, we’re trying to change our habits or our ways
of thinking.
For instance, if we find we’re being too negative or self-critical,
maybe it’s time to hang around with more positive people; maybe it’s time to give
old habits a break and, instead, indulge in something constructive. Wherever we give our time and attention, that’s
what shapes who we are.
And this bit of wisdom has obvious importance when it comes to
our lives as disciples of Christ. After
all, our God is a living God, who is passionate and devoted, forgiving and
just, wise and patient. If we want to
more like our God (in whose image we’re made), then we need to give him more of
our attention. If we want to be truly
alive, passionate about living, a devoted Catholic, a person of kindness,
wisdom, and patience…then we want to hang around with the One who is all those
things: God.
“We become what we love, and who we love shapes what we
become.”
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