See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God
Since we received the new translation of our Mass prayers last year I hear more clearly the assurance of our worthiness as God’s people. We certainly don’t deserve it, nor have we earned it; it’s not even attainable; but God graciously bestows worthiness upon us.
This is God’s gift. If we strive – and we should – it’s to receive the gift. But we should not suppose worthiness is within our reach. Nor is it just beyond our reach, though we sometimes feel that way. In fact our guilt is enormous. But we strive to attain an openness to the gift whenever and however it is offered. We are like baby birds with their mouths wide open. We cannot feed ourselves; but, with effort, we can receive our mother bird’s offerings.
On this feast day we remember the encouraging stories of the saints. These men and women strove to receive God’s gift of love and God bestowed it upon them. Despite some of the outlandish stories we tell about them, they were people just like you and me – except that some were terrible sinners.
Several years ago I traveled to Los Angeles and visited the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels with its fabulous array of tapestries. As enormous as it is, the decorations of the Cathedral are rather simple. That simplicity accentuates the images of the men and women depicted on the walls. Because the artist recruited Angelenos as models their images are photographic resemblances to people you might meet there in downtown LA. Most of the saints bear their identifying symbols and their names are helpfully posted below each figure, but what is most charming is their rapt attention to prayer. They are not there to be seen or admired; they have come to worship.
All are looking toward the basilica’s central altar; all but Francis of Assisi have their hands folded. (The Poverello worships with his arms and hands open.) Because the saints are depicted so realistically on both sides of the nave; and because there are so many of them; and because they are so attentive in prayer: they seem unconsciously to include every member of the congregation. Clearly, they find us worthy of their company as we celebrate The Mystery of Faith.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.