Everything that the Father gives me will come to me,
and I will not reject anyone who comes to me,
because I came down from heaven not to do my own will
but the will of the one who sent me.
And this is the will of the one who sent me,
that I should not lose anything of what he gave me,
but that I should raise it on the last day.
"Come to him, a living stone, rejected by human beings but chosen and precious in the sight of God, and, like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
Today's gospel reminds us that Jesus has come to us because the Father sent him, and the Father has also gathered us to Jesus. We come to Him because the Holy Spirit came to us and spoke to us in many and various ways, and we are so inspired we cannot help but come to him. As He said, "When I am lifted up, I will draw all things to myself."
Often I meet people who, realizing how they failed to come to the Lord as parents with children, now intend to bring their adult children to the Lord. But they have hardly turned aside from their former way of life and have yet to uproot many attitudes that have no place among God's people. I may not be their pastor or spiritual director, but I feel obligated to say, "Start with yourself; don't wait for them."
"Come to him, a living stone, rejected by human beings but chosen and precious in the sight of God."
Protests are good things, letters to the editor and to Congress can help, voting in local elections and referendums is necessary, getting involved in local politics is very good; but there is no excuse for a Christian who does not spend time daily in prayer.
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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.