Scripture:
Reflection:
What if our daily meditation began with the assumption and acceptance that we are “children of God?”
“That is what we are,” according to John. This mindfulness will wake us and shake us, because “the world of our making” doesn’t recognize this identity, nor from where it came. (1 Jn 3:2) Rather, in the eyes of those who buy into the powers that be, they see only children of profit, power, proficiency, popularity, and pleasure.
To bolster the power of this new creation that we are begotten by God, through His Son, we realize as did John the Baptist, that this is a totally inspired gift from God. “I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, “He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.”
At a recent Mass before we made the penitential act of forgiveness, I asked the congregation to imagine that God wanted to forgive every single sin that separates us from Him. And, I asked the question, “Are we willing to do what is necessary to amend our lives?” As children of God, despite all fears of what it will take to amend our lives, this is our primary act of faith, and trust. He died for our sins and wants us, his brothers and sisters, to join him in the mission to redeem the world by removing all that taints our family’s communion with God.
Fr. Alex Steinmiller, C.P., is a member of the Passionist Community in Detroit, Michigan.