In today’s reading from the Book of Sirach we hear a prayer for God’s people. Have you ever played the game of describing yourself without referring to what you do? This game forces us to reflect on our most fundamental identity. All too often, we think about how we are different from one another…Christian, Jew or Muslim; rich or poor; educated or uneducated; conservative or liberal; right or wrong.
Today’s reading reminds us that our most fundamental identity is that we are children of God. We are God’s people! God creates each and every one of us from and for his infinite, absolute and unconditional love. He calls us to live and share this love with every person he puts in our lives. Be alert today for the people God puts in your life and share with them God’s love. Make a special effort to share with those who are different and in most need of love.
—David McNulty is the Provincial Assistant for Advancement, Chicago-Detroit Province Jesuits