Mt 10: 24-33
A disciple is not above the teacher, nor a slave above the master; it is enough for the disciple to be like the teacher, and the slave like the master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household! “So have no fear of them; for nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known.
What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops. Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. And even the hairs of your head are all counted. So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven; but whoever denies me before others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven.
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved. http://www.usccb.org/bible/approved-translations
God’s Intimate Love
It can be difficult at times for me to grasp the idea that God knows me so intimately that “all the hairs on my head have been counted.” My strengths and particularly my weaknesses cannot be hidden from this kind of knowledge. In spite of them, God still loves me deeply. How am I worthy of this love?
Luckily, God sees my value and worth, even when I may not. This type of love is not completely beyond my grasp. I experience it in those grace-filled times when I catch a glimpse of God’s love for me. These times leave me with an overwhelming sense of gratitude and motivation to not only love myself more fully, but others as well. While I may not always understand that love, it’s comforting to know it is there, and inspiring in what it can create.
How does God’s intimate love for you challenge you to a fuller life of faith?
—Andy Rebollar is a Pastoral Associate at St. Pius X Parish in Grandville, MI and writes for Charis Ministries. www.spxcatholic.org
Prayer
Thank you, holy God, that you love me so wonderfully, even when I find it hard to understand and love myself. Strengthen me for the work of this day, in the relaxation of this weekend, in my adventures with family and friends. I bless you for all those good people who open my heart to your boundless grace. Amen.