The ancient philosopher Heraclitus was correct when he stated about 2,500 years ago that “the only constant in life is change.” When considering the nature of change, philosophers like Heraclitus have plunged into the paradox of the “Ship of Theseus.” The Greek war hero Theseus returned on his ship to Athens, and over time the various parts of the ship were replaced. The question is: when over time every single part of the ship is replaced, is it still the ship of Theseus? What constitutes the ship of Theseus if not its individual parts? These same questions may be asked of our bodies as cells die over time and are replaced, and of a river as water gushes by, and both the dirt and rocks of the riverbed move over the years. Everything around us is in flux, change is part of our daily lives, yet we often struggle to embrace it.
Last March 5th, the Holy Father Pope Francis appointed Bishop Gregory Hartmayer, OFM Conv. the 7th Archbishop of Atlanta bringing about tremendous change not only in his life, but in the lives of the over one million Catholics who live in Georgia. Heavy rain came down throughout the state on the day of the announcement. As I entered Saint John the Evangelist School in Hapeville under a wet umbrella with the bishop, I said to him, “these are tears coming down; half of the state weeps out of sadness while the other half weeps for joy.”
“Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.” Change is difficult because something that once was, no longer is, and we long for what was. However, Christianity embraces change as a spiritual discipline that stretches the soul to receive a greater measure of God’s presence. The Paschal mystery of the death and resurrection of Jesus is lived out every day, especially when we confront the reality of unwelcomed or sudden change.
All things eventually come to an end. So often we want to hold on to the past or present when it has been good, yet existence pushes us forward without any alternative. For eighteen years of my life I eagerly waited for the new millennium, and now twenty years have passed in the new millennium. Holding on to the past can become stifling, and it is possible to miss worthwhile opportunities or changes. Our reluctance to recognize that things do come to an end, such as a relationship, a life, a vacation, a hobby, a job, a house, prevents us from moving forward while enjoying what God does in the present moment.
When something new emerges from what was, it does not simply replace it, but it emerges because of what came before it. Starting college simply does not replace high school, it follows because of what came before it. When a loved one dies, we do not forget about him or her, but rather we move on in life differently because that relationship existed and it continues to mold and affect us. When a period of life when everything seems to go well ends and one filled with struggles emerges, we are able to face the challenges because of the lessons learned and confidence gained during the good times. Things come to a close, and new things emerge, yet the skills we learn continue, and God continues to be present through it all.
When something good ends, we may be tempted to think nothing as good will ever come our way. Life is an adventure, and we must be willing to live it fearlessly. Sure, things change, but if we resist ends and new beginnings, we will grow complacent, stuffy and irrelevant. The man sitting on the throne in the Book of Revelation says, “Behold, I am making all things new!” Jesus Christ is constantly making all things new, bringing about renewal and conversion. Our relationship with Him and our spiritual life is a constant end to sin and a new beginning in the life of grace; a cycle of conversion that continues as long as we live. Countless souls have found a new beginning in Christ, and have remained grateful for the end which led to new life.
As change descends upon us in the Diocese of Savannah, we wish Bishop Hartmayer the best in his new assignment, and we pray for continued strength and guidance from the Holy Spirit. All things eventually come to an end, and we journey forward fearlessly with God’s help.
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