By Jacob Perikala csc –
Readings: Hos 11: 1, 3-4, 8-9; Eph 3: 8-12, 14-19; Jn 19: 31-37
In the first reading, God tells us that we are all his children irrespective of any differences we have in society. We often try to differentiate and show ourselves as superior in occupation, money, status, etc.
We are all children of God with no difference in the eyes of God. At times, for my selfish needs, I try to put others down. It happens in all organizations, societies, and in the world. We all have a plan in the sight of God like in the case of St. Paul. We must not point finger at others, as we do not know what is going to happen the next minute. If I can see the person through the eyes of God, I will respect him in whatever position he might be.
Jesus saw in St. Paul a future church leader whereas others saw him as a destroyer. As humans, we judge others through their words and actions. God knows about each person inside out. God sees the heart. He has created each one of us for a purpose and will let us know at the right time.
For this, I need to see God in each person irrespective of their societal status and try to help them to discern the call of God. Today, the church celebrates the feast of the most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Father Moreau dedicated the Fathers of Holy Cross to the heart of Jesus. This feast reminds us that God’s love has no limits and he is passionately in love with all the humankind.
Through this, Father Moreau is inviting us to have merciful love for people who reject us in our mission centres and other places. Jesus wants to offer us his love but at times due to our human limitations, we complain about the small crosses that come our way. Let us remember all the painful moments in our life, especially of those in mission centres that we may take these as a lesson and learn from it rather than grumbling. May we accept the crosses that come our way for the love of God.