“Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him and we will come to him.” – JN 14: 23

 

Today we hear both in the First Reading and the Gospel how someone stretched out their hand and something special occurred.  Moses is told by God to stretch his hand over the sea and in doing so, the waters parted, and the Israelites were able to cross on dry land to avoid the pursuit of the Egyptians.  After they made it to the other side, Moses is once again instructed to stretch out his hand in order for the water to ensure Israel would no longer be pursued.  

 

Then we hear St Matthew describe how Jesus stretched out His hand toward His disciples to share an important reality.  Jesus never lost an opportunity to teach His disciples a Spiritual Lesson and Truth about the Kingdom of God. On this occasion, when many gathered to hear Jesus, He pointed to another higher reality of relationships, namely our relationship with God and with those who belong to God.  How do we bring this reality to life in us?  It takes action on our part.  We need to stretch out our hand, with an open heart, to receive all that the Lord has for us.  Everything that God has to offer is given through His Love for us.

 

God's Love never fails, never forgets, never compromises, never lies, never lets us down nor disappoints us. His Love is consistent, unwavering, unconditional, unrelenting, and unstoppable. There is no end to His Love. Nothing in this world can make God abandon us, ignore us, or withhold from us His Merciful Love and care. He will love us no matter what. It is the Lord’s nature to love. That is why He created us, to be united with Him and to share in His Love.

 

For our part, the Gospel Acclamation explains that we need to be united with Jesus.  This loving relationship is made firm through our actions.  If we but stretch out our hand towards Jesus, He will reach out His towards us and through this attachment, the Trinitarian Love of Father, Son and Holy Spirit will come to us.

 

Do we want to grow in love and friendship with the Lord? Then let us stretch out our hand, open our heart and soul to allow God's Holy Spirit to transform our heart, mind, and will to enable us to love freely and generously as He loves.

 

"Heavenly Father, you bless us with many relationships, and you invite us into the community of your sons and daughters who have been redeemed by your son, Jesus Christ. Help me to love my neighbor with charity, kindness, compassion, and mercy, just as you have loved me. In all of my relationships, and in all that I do and say, may I always seek to bring you honor and glory."

 

May God’s Grace and Blessings Always be with you and yours!!  Our Lady of Guadalupe – Pray for us!!  

 

Yours in Christ,

Deacon Bob

St. Clare of Assisi

Houston, TX