The purpose of our being - Reflection

As Kingfishers Catch Fire

By Gerard Manley Hopkins

As kingfishers catch fire, dragonflies draw flame;

As tumbled over rim in roundy wells

Stones ring; like each tucked string tells, each hung bell's

Bow swung finds tongue to fling out broad its name;

Each mortal thing does one thing and the same:

Deals out that being indoors each one dwells;

Selves — goes itself; myself it speaks and spells,

Crying Whát I dó is me: for that I came.

I say móre: the just man justices;

Keeps grace: thát keeps all his goings graces;

Acts in God's eye what in God's eye he is —

Chríst — for Christ plays in ten thousand places,

Lovely in limbs, and lovely in eyes not his

To the Father through the features of men's faces.

When I think of the message of Easter in the scene where Mary Magdalene encounters the risen Lord in John 20, a poem by Gerard Manley Hopkins comes to mind. I first discovered this poem in seminary when learning about the Franciscan scholar Duns Scotus and his idea of “thisness.”

Simply put, thisness means that the essence of a being is found in its unique individuality. God has created each of us with unique purpose and intention, each life a singular reflection of divine creativity.

Too often, though, we become entangled in the labels we and others have made: which side we are on, what group we belong to, our politics, gender, ethnicity, economic situation, or education. All of these may describe part of who we are, but none can fully capture the mystery and wonder of our individual identity.

We are shaped by our traits, our stories, our pain and our joy, our hopes and our vision—and when these come together, each of us becomes wonderfully unlike any other.

Mary Magdalene experienced something deeply personal that Easter morning. Standing in confusion and fear before the empty tomb, she did not recognize Jesus until he called her by name, “Mary.” In that instant, everything changed. Recognition, joy, and resurrection illuminated her, and she could finally answer him with love and certainty.

The Paschal mystery invites each of us into that same transformation and renewal. Yet, this change does not erase who we are; it brings us closer to who we are meant to be.

During this sacred time, I pray that you may encounter the love of God that has been waiting patiently for you. May all that is not truly you fall away, and may what is most authentically you rise to new life. Then, in the stillness and joy of Easter morning, may we each hear Jesus calling our name—and respond to Him with faith, wonder, and love.

Fr. James