Monday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
“For those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a spirit of adoption, through which we cry, “Abba, Father!” Do we believe these words? Do we genuinely believe that we are beloved sons and daughters of a father that loves us?
Spiritual sonship or spiritual daughterhood is an essential truth of our faith; God, as Father, loves us as his own and desires we live in that truth. To do that, we must be willing first to recognize the lies we have been taught and the lies we have learned to believe. Then, in that recognition, be convinced of the truth.
Reflect on today the lies you believe: do I see God as a master who punishes when we do not act correctly? Who will only love us if we do something to earn that love? Is God distant or conditional? Do we get caught up in shame and guilt as the only expression of our relationship with the Father?
Now flip that message! God is a loving father who loves you simply because you are. He takes pleasure and delight in you. The Father is close and intimate, like a friend or someone you love. You want to live your life free from shame and in the comfort of love.
Reflection by Fr. Etienne Huard, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections