Readings for the Mass at DawnWhen the kindness and generous love
of God our savior appeared, not because of any righteous deeds we had done but because of his mercy, He saved us through the bath of rebirth
and renewal by the Holy Spirit,
whom he richly poured out on us
through Jesus Christ our savior,
so that we might be justified by his grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life.
There are two kinds of generosity:
There is the generosity which is abundantly wealthy and freely bestows gifts on others. A recent news story reported that one of the world's wealthiest men, owning in excess of one hundred billion dollars, ($1 and 11 zeroes) paid a third of his wealth to his ex-wife as alimony; but he soon recuperated and now has more than he did at the time.
The same story said that Bill and Melinda Gates cannot give away their wealth fast enough; they're still earning more. Such people can be "generous" because it costs them nothing.
And then there is God's mercy. It is that which we celebrate at Christmas. We remember the Lord who emptied himself in love for us, first by becoming a helpless human baby. Our infinitely Good God, with surpassing majesty, power, and compassion poured out his life on Calvary. He was drained of Spirit, Blood, and Water. There was nothing more to give.
It began in Bethlehem, amid the winter's snows, in a stable, in a manger.
We pray that we might be worthy of the latter kind of love.
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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.