Are you grateful that God loves you — even if you are a “worm” or “maggot,” especially during the times when you sin? Seek His mercy and goodness today - Daily Reflections December 12,2013

HEED CAREFULLY WHAT YOU HEAR

 

Jeanette Twenge et al. recently came up with a most interesting and eye-opening book entitled, The Narcissism Epidemic, that, at least for me, seems to hit the nail right on the head. Narcissism, or the extreme form of self-centeredness, has become an epidemic, all over the world.

       The world may not accept it, but for more than 40 years now, we have been systematically training kids to “pull their own strings,” “be number one,” and never to allow anyone to “put you down.” One has to “assert” oneself, and parents were bombarded with the mantra that they ought to be profusely praising their kids all the time, even if all they really needed is a more realistic dose of plain and simple encouragement.

       How about this to start your day? The Lord comes in as more realistic, even humorous perhaps! In the first reading, Isaiah, speaking in God’s name, calls his people two diminutive, but not derogatory, names: worm and maggot! As cute as they are funny, the two words clash directly with the current culture of excessive praise, and the unbreakable rule of never calling children disparaging names and monikers.

       But at the risk of getting a few comments and complaints from well-meaning readers, let me give in to an attack of humility for today. Believe me, it will do you and me good.

       Like the famous song “Do-Re-Mi,” let’s start from the very beginning, which has everything to do with truth — the truth that vis-à-vis God, we are really nothing but worms and maggots. Could anything be worse than this?

       But I love the contrast, if not the exaggeration. And here’s what we all need to remember for the whole day. It is not really about us being worms and maggots, but God being who and what He is. For us. For certain. Forever! “I am the Lord.” “I will help you.” “I will not forsake you.”

       Who cares about worms and maggots? Fr. Chito Dimaranan, SDB

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: Are you grateful that God loves you — even if you are a “worm” or “maggot,” especially during the times when you sin? Seek His mercy and goodness today.

 

Lord, may I always be mindful that no matter how “bad” I may be at times, Your goodness shines through.