Readings: 2 Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23; Psalm 137:1-2, 3, 4-5, 6; Ephesians 2:4-10; John 3:14-21
God so loved the world that God sent His only Son,
so everyone who believes in him might have eternal life. – John 3:16
And Jesus, in obedience to the Father’s will, gave his life for us that we might regain eternal life. There is no greater sacrifice that can be offered and no greater love that can be shown. The gift of God’s love has already been given, I cannot earn it on my own, nor for that matter can I lose it. But I can accept it and live it in my life, by acting as Jesus did —with justice, kindness and love. Am I willing to give of my time and talents, so that others may benefit from the gifts given to me by God; am I willing to look into the face of the immigrant, the homeless, the hungry, the lonely and see the light of God’s love and presence within them as well? Do I do more than just give lip-service to a commitment to gospel values? If I believe in God’s unconditional love for me I am willing to walk in the light of truth, knowing that any good I do is done by God through my human person. I can also accept the love of God shown to me through another.
God is forgiving of my faults and failings as long as I am willing to seek forgiveness and return to the light of his love by trying again. God does not expect perfection (if I were without fault, I would have no need of salvation). But I am human, thus imperfect, but created by God with love and compassion. As a Christian I am called upon to follow Jesus and his teaching, to love others and witness God within them, to live simply, and to be grateful for the many gifts which God, with infinite mercy and love, has bestowed upon me. May I walk in the light of Christ so that others may clearly see that the works I do are done by God.
–Maryellen Blumlein, SC
Sister Maryellen, who formerly taught English and Religion in elementary and high school, is currently the Archive Manager for the Sisters of Charity of New York.