If by the grace of God, there go I
From The Desk of Father David
Dear Friends in Christ,
Jesus prayed the night before He died, “That they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me. And I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may be brought to perfection as one, that the world may know that you sent me, and that you loved them even as you loved me.” As we reflect upon these three lines from Jesus’ farewell prayer, we hear His call that we must all work to be one in mind and heart. The early church achieved this goal by everyone seeking, not their own interest, but seeking what Jesus would want to happen in that situation. If we follow their example, we will discover a unity that is unbreakable. This unity will draw others to Jesus and the faith.
In the last line, Jesus reminds His believers that God the Father loves them as much as He loves Jesus. This is amazing to realize that even with our faults and failings, God love us as much as He loves Jesus, His perfect Son. Lent is a wonderful time to return this love by cherishing this relationship and growing closer to Christ and each other. We do this by: letting go of anger, forgiving others, doing random acts of kindness each day, and by stopping judging. Remember this saying, “if but the grace of God, there go I.” It reminds you that if you were in that person’s situation or have the same weaknesses that person has, you might do the same action. The saying also reminds us to be grateful for our life and for the people in our lives. To forgive is to set oneself free to be loved and to love again.
Almighty Father, thank you for loving us with the greatest love. Thank You for making the great sacrifice of giving up your son, Jesus, so we could be saved from eternal death. Help us to remove all the things that block us from loving You and our neighbor with all of our being.
Peace,
Fr. David
