Scripture:
Ephesians 1:11-14
Luke 12:1-7
Reflection:
As a child, and even still now, I find immense comfort in my mother’s arms. It is a place of safety and love; a place where I do not have to be anything other than myself. She knows every freckle and dimple on my face.
In the days leading up to our Gospel reading today, Jesus had denounced the Pharisees and scholars. They were restricting the love of God to their laws and restrictions. In today’s passage, Luke gives us sayings of Jesus as a comfort and reassurance to follow Him without fear, that the love of God is greater than we can imagine.
"Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid" Luke 12:7a
This reminds me of a mother who has studied every part of her child. A beautiful sign of love. Our creator formed every part of us in His image. Imagine that love! In that love is our comfort and our place of surrender. Giving us the strength to of His will.
How do you surrender daily to God’s will?
We are created for something great. We were created that in all we do "we might exist for the praise of His glory." Ephesians 1:12
In what ways do you "praise" in your life?
For us to accept God’s Will and appreciate the great love that has been given for us, we must take time to surrender. To be still and know that he is God, and as Passionists, to sit and be still at the foot of the Cross. This is our hope in the midst of mystery and darkness. And in that hope we are able to carry on the will of God for us, knowing that we are loved fully and unconditionally.
Kim Valdez is the Pastoral Associate at Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center in Houston, Texas.