For Sure?

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/022313.cfm) reminds me that we should follow God, even if it may seem to go against what we think is common sense.

The first reading reminds us of God’s promise, that he will take care of us as long as we remain in him, as long as we obey his commandments.

What does God want us to do?

Love your enemies!

Easier said than done, of course.

They say that an effective way of losing enemies is for us to love them. If you genuinely love your enemies, you will lose these enemies, at least on your part.

God is fair – he gives his blessings both to the good and to the wicked. He does not choose whom he gives sunlight or rain to, God is abounding with goodness and it just flows to everyone, good and bad alike. We are called to do the same.

It is easy to be good to people who are good to you. it is easy to be nice to people who are nice. It is easy to be generous with your time, talent and treasure to your friends and family who appreciates you, thanks you, and will repay your goodness in one way or another. However, everyone is like that – even evil people.

God wants us to be different..

We are called to be children of God. We are called to be perfect in love – to love those unlovable, to be good to those who does not acknowledge or thank us, to be generous to those who cannot repay us back. To love until it hurts, only then can we truly become children of God, trying to be perfect in loving, the way God is. Then we can expect God’s reward as stated in the first reading and the psalm – Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for this weekend. Lord, I thank you for being generous with your love and goodness. Thank you for letting your blessings flow to both the good and the bad. Lord, I ask that you give me a heart after yours. May I love those unlovable, be generous to those who cannot repay me, and be good to those who does not acknowledge me. May I spread your love as I live my life, and be perfect just as you are perfect. Amen.

Blessed weekend!

In Christ,

-g-