Love for Love

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:

Romans 8:26-30
Psalm 13:4-6
Luke 13:22-30


A reflection on today's Scripture:

Christ in today's Gospel touches upon one of the great temptations faced by those who serve Him. Repeatedly He tells us that our motivations are as important as our words and actions. Indeed, bad motives can cancel the "good" we think do and say.

There should be only one motive for serving God in Christ, and that is the sincere desire to return the love He pours out on us and to do His will out of that love, not just for our good but also for the good of others. God is interested in the condition of our hearts, not just an impressive list of our deeds.

Sin enters into the serving of Christ when it is used as a means of self-aggrandizement or financial profit. While such people may perform well, their hearts remain focused on themselves. They dazzle audiences with their cleverness and charisma and say only what pleases the listeners--denying or downplaying sin, rationalizing wrongdoings, emphasizing God's love while failing to mention God's irrevocable truths and the justice by which we must live. Theirs is the "wide door" against which Christ speaks.

What God desires most is our restoration to that intimate, filial relationship He intended with us at our creation. Jesus is the firstborn of many children; on the last day we will be "known" and welcomed by our resemblance to Him.

Lord, our God,
never allow us to quench nor grieve Your Spirit
but let us welcome His sanctifying grace
that we may be transformed
into the image of Your Son. Amen


- Marie L. Bocko OCDS