Wisdom 11: 22 - 12: 2
Psalm 145: 1-2, 8-11, 13-14
2 Thessalonians 1: 11 - 2: 2
Luke 19: 1-10
Many of us are fairly familiar with the Gospel story of Zaccheus: the man who was so eager to glimpse Jesus that he climbed a tree - and unexpectedly found himself hosting Jesus that night for dinner... and changing his ways from that encounter.
But let's focus on these beautiful words from the Book of Wisdom:
For you love all things that are
and loathe nothing that you have made;
for what you hated, you would not have fashioned.
And how could a thing remain, unless you willed it;
or be preserved, had it not been called forth by you?
But you spare all things, because they are yours,
O LORD and lover of souls,
for your imperishable spirit is in all things!
Motivations abound. We might obey, or agree, or go along simply out of fear. Maybe out of indifference. Possibly to be thought well of. While those motivations might affect our actions, our deepest beliefs and inclinations could remain untouched.
But if we can believe, truly believe that God loves us to our very souls, that God's spirit is WITH us and wills for us to succeed in being utterly and simply ourselves (fully human, one made in the image and likeness of God)- oh, what a difference that would make! Armed with that courage, with the certitude of being loved and accepted, it becomes easier to admit our failings, to take that first step (either up, or out of, the tree) to letting God's spirit transform our lives.
- Spend some time this week contemplating the gift of YOUR life.
- How well can you accept that God is in love with you?
- In what ways do you need God's spirit to strengthen your will to be fully human?
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