Reflect upon these words of Jesus: “As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you. “ What does this mean to you today? - Daily Reflections May 7, 2015

THE WAYS OF GOD’S LOVE   Have you ever held a newborn baby? The wonder of new life, the bundle of flesh you hold, and the eyes that make contact with you is pure love. Have you ever looked at a flower? Notice the wonder and delicacy of its shape and colors or the beauty of its intricate design? Have you ever marveled at the overwhelming splendor of a sunset, brightening the sky as the sun sets for the day? These are all images for contemplation. Whenever one is in touch with the beauty of creation, we contemplate the awesomeness of God. Just as you gaze on beauty and are caught up in it, so too God gazes on you and is overwhelmed at the beauty revealed.          Jesus is telling us that just as the Father loved Him, so He loves us. The above examples are meant to evoke awe and wonder on the beauty  surrounding us. The same feelings evoked within you are the ways God’s love in Jesus is evoked. Jesus loves you with an everlasting, unconditional and enduring joyful love. He has experienced the love of God the Father in His life and He wants us to have the same experience. Having tasted a glimpse of that love, Jesus invites us to stay in that love. This is accomplished by keeping His commandments.          Catherine of Siena says, “The soul is in God and God in the soul, just as the fish is in the sea and the sea in the fish.” Quite deep and profound and may take some time to digest. But God’s love surrounds us. There is never a time when He does not love us. Even if we sin through our faults and weaknesses, God’s love is still there.          Reflect again at the love of God in your life. See how constant and faithful His love is for you. We take it for granted, but it is a free and liberating experience to get in touch with a God who loves and loves again beyond our pain, weakness and sinfulness. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL   REFLECTION QUESTION: Reflect upon these words of Jesus: “As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you. “ What does this mean to you today?   In the morning, let me know Your love for I put my trust in You. Amen. (Psalm 143.8)