"Put on Christ"

When a friend tells you to "put on" decent clothes for tonight's party, it plainly means to "get dressed in (fittingly)."

So, in the desire to look lovely as possible for such an occasion, we wear something that best embody us. It is so on account that what we wear and how we wear them, in most times, reflect who we are. In fact, just by wearing a religious habit, one gets the respect and the recognition embedded in such a habilament. In like manner, one is also encouraged to maintain the same amount of values a person earns simply from having it on.

But, to wear a thing on one's own body is one thing. Needing to "be enrobed" is another matter.

Why?

Because to "be clothed in" requires something more: 

to be unclothed;

to be undressed;

to be stripped;

to be naked.

For a person, beyond it's literal analysis, could not clothe himself unless he becomes bare and empty. And he could only do so if he knows exactly the purpose, the goal or the ultimate reason of wanting to be "clothed."

St. Augustine, for example, in his thirst for renewal, journeys inwardly to find that which "shelters" his heart. He does so in an agonising way. For he foreknows one painful truth: "the journey of returning traces the long and dark road back home."

And yet, as he foresees his fears and awaits for the inevitable to happen, he readies himself. 

Slowly, he "takes off his clothes" to vacate his heart, mind and soul. 

Through this, he allows himself to be filled.

To be revived.

To be changed.

To be new.

And finally, in the midst of his torment, confusion and "homelessness", he finds himself and God. He then realises that perfect happiness and love could only be attained through our Creator-- the Ultimate Good, the One on which all goods come from. Thereby he declares: "because you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in You." (Augustine, Confessions, 1.1.1)

Since then he is "Clothed in Christ." 🙏

24.11.2020

11:48 PM