- Matthew 16:26-27
There is a virtue in our tradition called magnanimity. It comes from two Latin words: Magna, which means great, and anima, which means soul. Greatness of soul.
Magnanimity is the quality which enables us to think grand thoughts, to have within us the sense that we are called to greatness, and not to shy away from great things .... even when they are difficult.
Because we are daughters and sons of God and made in the image of God, we are called to greatness, to magnanimous life, largeness of soul.
It's so hard to go for the greatness. You don't always get a lot of support when you reach for something beyond the ordinary. People tell you to take it easy, not to push yourself too hard.
But every time we come to Eucharist and place ourselves on the altar in the symbols of bread and wine, we join with the Lord in his giving of himself to greatness. He said, "Father, you can have it all. I lift it up to you."
We join with that. We know that in the Father's hands, a life lived as God calls us to live it is a life of true greatness.
Are you willing to go for greatness in your life?
- Little Burgundy Book, Diocese of Saginaw