“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” – John 3:16
God loves you.
It is a truth so often repeated that it sounds a bit trite. We almost take it for granted.
It is a truth so misunderstood that it has become sentimental, as if God is just some big teddy-bear who cuddles with us.
It is a truth so incomprehensible that too often we do not believe it.
Yet, it is true. To save you, God Himself descended into hell, broke the gates, and rose again to open up the path of eternal life. Out of love for you “he emptied himself…coming in human likeness…he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross”. (Philippians 2:7-8).
Let us not take this love for granted! It is not cheap, and it’s not, as the world mistakenly believes, always sunshine and rainbows. It is a love that dives into the messiness of human affairs and drives out demons. It is a love so powerful that it raises the dead.
Yes, God’s love is fierce, like a fire that purifies gold. It sent Saint Teresa into ecstasy and Saint Joan of Arc to the stake. It will not make you comfortable, but it will make you holy.
God’s love is demanding. He forgives the sinner but also commands him to sin no more. He dares us to live with lepers and forgive our enemies. He challenges us to love one another, as He has loved us.
Therefore, as Saint Maximilian Kolbe, the Martyr of Charity once wrote; “Let us remember that love lives through sacrifice and is nourished by giving…Without sacrifice there is no love.”
God has loved you. He died to save you. Look to the Cross and gaze upon Him Who loves you. What would you sacrifice for Him?
Lord, Jesus Christ, we adore you and we praise you, for by your holy cross you have redeemed the world. From Your Sacred Heart and wellspring of love, pour forth your grace into our hearts, that by your passion and cross we may be brought the glory of your resurrection. Amen.
