not that we have loved God, but that he loved us
and sent his Son as expiation for our sins.
Beloved, if God so loved us,
we also must love one another.
No one has ever seen God.
Yet, if we love one another, God remains in us,
and his love is brought to perfection in us.
Summer can be a time of rest, and the hotter summers of climate change might be more insistent that we slow down, stay out of the heat, and watch the children play in the spray of the fire hydrant.
The feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus reminds us that we don't have to save ourselves. First, he has done it for us; and secondly, we cannot do it for ourselves. So let's just slow down. Or, as he said, "Come apart and rest awhile."
We will not see God in this world. His way might be more clear than the frantic, foolish ways of the world; but it will never be transparently obvious. The merchants, desperate for their personal salvation, would sell us arduous vacations in distant places where, after all the hassles and risks of travel, we might bask in a tropical sun on an exotic beach, with a Mai Tai or gin and tonic, for a few minutes.
But, three thousand years ago, Moses assured us,
For this command which I am giving you today is not too wondrous or remote for you. It is not in the heavens, that you should say, “Who will go up to the heavens to get it for us and tell us of it, that we may do it?” Nor is it across the sea, that you should say, “Who will cross the sea to get it for us and tell us of it, that we may do it?” No, it is something very near to you, in your mouth* and in your heart, to do it.
If that's the case, we might stay at home, turn off the entertainment systems, breathe, and listen to our heart beat. And know that we are loved. Just as I am without one plea but that thy blood was shed for me.
No one has ever seen God. Yet, if we love one another, God remains in us, and his love is brought to perfection in us.
Out there, it's only another Friday in a hot steamy world. In here, it's the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Let us pray...
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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.