Fools (04/01/2025)

April Fool's Day is a day supposedly to play harmless pranks on others. But I’m afraid that whenever it rolls around each year, instead of the local prankster, my mind goes to those I’ve met along the way who purposedly chose the path of “Fools for Christ” – who intentionally rejected worldly norms and focused on the path of spiritual goodness and love. We call them saints.

I’ve known a few. One especially comes to mind this morning. He taught me about this path. He considered himself a servant of Christ daily, seeking ways to lovingly serve. He purposedly only earned a particular amount annually, just below the poverty mark so that he didn’t have to pay income tax because he objected to the ways tax dollars were spent on war and other enterprises and procedures he felt were in opposition to the teachings of Christ. He cared for others; he was a care provider; that was how he earned what little he did. Daily he served. Daily he prayed. Daily he lived out his love for Christ in his own manner.

Today as I set about my day, prepared to encounter those who will try to fool me for a laugh, I am thinking about our world. We could use a few more “fools for Christ” who would put love of the LORD and love for one another above personal and material gains. Thinking of this man this morning, I want to do a better job myself at living my faith moment to moment. Saints do that, don’t you know, they inspire others along the way.

And my mind is full of the lives and deeds of others I’ve encountered: the women who work for the local food pantry every week; the man who visit the prison in his city and facilitates bible study; the man who cares for his elderly mother daily; the women who write cards to members of their parish who have lost loved ones.

We are all called to put our journey in, with, and through Christ ahead of our worldly pursuits. Our spiritual journey isn’t to play second fiddle to our worldly pursuits. We should be aware that our spiritual journey is unfolding every moment of our lives. Just because we aren’t intentional about it doesn’t mean the journey stops.

Today, may all of us spend some time considering how we might be “Fools for Christ” intentionally, daily. What sacrifices are we willing to make for Him to bring us closer to Him and to live the truths He not only taught but lived?

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.