by Gabriella Spykerman
It can be difficult to fathom the radical nature of the Love of Christ. In my own contemplations of the Cross, the question that constantly arises is, am I worth the great cost? How easy it is to place human parameters of understanding on what is intrinsically unfathomable. The daily choice of receiving the love that Christ pours out can often be inhibited by our own brokenness and sin. It makes what is unconditional become conditional. Instead of living in the light of freedom, we may find ourselves caught in the tomb of self-condemnation, which blinds us from being able to see Jesus’ unreserved and radical love for what it really is. A love that desires to meet us in every moment of our lives.
In this week’s readings, Pope Benedict XVI provides us with a reminder of the very nature of God’s heart. Writing that, “God loves His creature, man; He even loves him in his fall and does not leave him to himself. He loves him to the end. He is impelled with His love to the very end, to the extreme: He came down from His divine glory.” It is this very love of Christ that we are invited to open our hearts to, anew. Amidst the tendency to quantify and qualify, and limit God to our own human parameters of understanding; Christ calls us to step out of ourselves, and to step into the great reality of His love, that never counts the cost but sees only His beloved. It is a Love which bears our sin and shame, suffering greatly yet willingly for the sole purpose of ensuring our salvation. It is a Love that cannot be earned, for it is a freely given gift, meant to be continually received by us.
As we await the resurrection of the Lord, let us not ask if we are worth the cost. Rather, let us accept Jesus’ invitation to see His love for what it truly is and allow ourselves to be fully loved by our Saviour!
Reflect and Act:
How can I allow myself to receive God’s love daily?
Pray and ask the Lord for one person you can share His love with, today. It can be a simple act, such as blessing a friend with words of encouragement, or doing an act of service for a family member. #OYPWalkingThroughLent
