The central theme of this Sunday’s readings is found in the second reading. John makes us realise the immense love that God has for us. The manifestation of Jesus as one among us has taken us into the identity of being really children of God. This is the greatest change “the God becoming man” has brought about. And this is the theme of the Liturgy of the Word today.
Although children of God, but we are not yet able to realise the true meaning of being one. We are uncertain of what the future holds for us, but what we are certain of is, that we no longer should nor can we look upon God as a feudal lord to be feared. Our God is a father, an Abbá as Jesus liked to say in his language, “daddy”. It is an enormous trust of the child in his father, because from him, from our Abbá we can expect only good things.
Jesus is our elder brother. He has come to gather us into a family. He has made known to us our identity, that we are “sons”. For us, his brothers, he gave everything, even his life. For this reason, he uses the image of the Good Shepherd. As the shepherd gives his life for his sheep, Jesus gives his life for us. As the shepherd cares lovingly for each of the sheep in his flock, especially the weakest, so does our brother Jesus care for us.
But we must not take this comparison literally because we are not sheep or like sheep. We are sons and daughters. Jesus himself would remind us: We are “children of God. As children, we are heirs.” God wants us to be adults, responsible, able to act freely, to make decisions and to assume our own risks. Like a good father, he will suffer with our mistakes and errors. Instead of punishing us, he would give us good advice and encourage us to try again. Because what he wants for us is to grow up, not to be perpetual children, but adults with whom we can have a dialogue at the same level.
Today’s readings make us aware of the love with which God loves us. It is a love that transforms us into children. It is a love that made Jesus give his life for us, just as a shepherd does for his sheep. It is a love that helps us to grow, that pushes us to be free and adult, brothers and sisters to one another. It is a love that makes us feel like family members and responsible for everyone who live with us. That, and nothing else, is being children of God.
For your reflection
When I think of God, do I see him as a judge, to be feared? Or as a father who enjoys growing up and taking on our responsibilities in a free and mature way?
Father Fernando Torres CMF
www.ciudadredonda.org
Translated by
Father Alberto Rossa CMF
