St. Paul of the Cross and our love-union with Jesus
St. Paul of the Cross says that Jesus invites us into “the
closest imaginable love-union” with him.
What a beautiful way to speak of the intimate union we share with
Jesus! When we consume the Body of
Christ in the sacred bread, we are taking into our bodies the body, blood, soul
and divinity of Christ. It is hard to
imagine being any closer!
It makes me think about whether my own body is worthy, ready
to receive Christ. Not just the physical
aspects of course, which we have come to know as the temple of the Lord, but
what about my whole body, the interior as well?
Is my heart one with him?
Is my spirit open to loving as he calls me to?
Am I ready to offer myself for the sake of others?
Is my spirit open to loving as he calls me to?
Am I ready to offer myself for the sake of others?
These are big questions to which an answer in the
affirmative requires big responses. None
of us feel truly ready, I would suspect, but that should not discourage us, for
with God, anything is possible.
As we move into Advent, let us take time to consider the
Second Coming of Christ, the reality that we will one day be judged with
justice and mercy, and amend those things in our life that we can.
God’s justice, which always flows from mercy and compassion,
still considers our own efforts and desires.
God understands our humanity and constantly calls us to himself. There will be, however, some of us who choose
to live as if he does not exist, and since we are not puppets and he does not
force us to accept it, we are told it will not be good for us if we reject him.
Let us reflect over the next few weeks of Advent on the Good
News that Jesus came to save us all, and how amazing is his sacrifice on the
cross. Let us be grateful for his tender devotion to his loving children, even
those who are wayward, and let us turn back toward him so that one day, when he
comes again in judgment, we will not be afraid, but happy to see him!
God bless,
Janet