God’s Handiwork

Heart shape made out of a pearl necklace

Marjorie’s Pearls…

A long time ago, in a place that’s near, but that seems so far away, an experience that left a lasting impression occurred. I was preparing to leave for college orientation and one of my aunts was at my family’s home visiting. She came into mine and my sister’s room as I was packing some clothes and we had a conversation. I don’t recall how long it lasted or even what we were talking about, but I do recall how it felt to have here there. She was so caring and genuinely interested in being present to me in those moments. I often think of that day with fondness and remember feeling so loved by her, both then, and every time it’s come to mind since then. There were pearls of wisdom, simply in her presence.

I’m not sure that I ever told her how much that time together meant to me, but I will always remember it, along with her hugs, as if embracing one with all her heart and soul—the very definition of Love.

In the second reading for the 7th Sunday of Easter (1 John 4:11-16), it is written:

“Beloved, if God so loved us, we also must love one another. No one has ever seen God. Yet, if we love one another, God remains in us, and his love is brought to perfection in us.”

Consider taking some time to reflect on the verses above and how they come into play in daily life including interactions with those who are known by you and those who are yet to be known by you (strangers). In what ways might you better cooperate with God in working to bring love to perfection in you as well as through you?

Heart shape made out of a pearl necklace

Handiwork…

On this 4th Sunday of Lent, Laetare Sunday, the readings invite us to consider the depth of God’s steadfastness and love. Focusing on the second reading, take some time to reflect on the qualities of God (rich in mercy, great love, etc.).

Brothers and sisters:
God, who is rich in mercy,
because of the great love he had for us,
even when we were dead in our transgressions,
brought us to life with Christ — by grace you have been saved —,
raised us up with him,
and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus,
that in the ages to come
He might show the immeasurable riches of his grace
in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
For by grace you have been saved through faith,
and this is not from you; it is the gift of God;
it is not from works, so no one may boast.
For we are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for the good works
that God has prepared in advance,
that we should live in them. – Ephesians 2:4-10

How do you experience these qualities in your life? In your relationship with God and others, where do you give? and where do you withhold? Take some time to ponder being God’s handiwork.

“You often say, “I would give, but only to the deserving.”
The trees in your orchard say not so, nor the flocks in your pasture.
They give that they may live, for to withhold is to perish.” – Kahlil Gibran