Strongest stories in our families are built from certain landmarks. And many occasions are about those moments we managed to come out something that we thought we could not make it. When people gather as family, they always recall these stories, And they will begin like…
“Do you remember how far we have come from? Do you remember that moment I did not want to speak to you for a week, but I could not resist. Do you remember when you borrowed me money I lent you even when you had not paid previous debt. Do you remember when you I bought you that beautiful golden wedding ring….and the story continues with do you remember…
The first reading God asks us the same question…do you remember when I picked you from your worst, with the image of love that nothing can stop it. God reminds the people of Israel of how all through he has journeyed with them even when they left, He still came for their rescue. Israelites is depicted as someone growing from childhood to adulthood but still is not fully recognizing the love God has showed. God reminds them of the covenant he made with his people by saying, “I will remember the covenant I made with you when you were a girl. I will set up an everlasting covenant with you that you may remember.”
God does not give up on his people. Even when they go astray. Even when they are lost in their pride and confusion. God still seeks the lost and wants to return that lost sheep. God insists to people that from his goodness and blessings upon us, if not careful, we can alienate ourselves from him due to our pride or we can make ourselves Centre of everything and forget God’s deeds in us.
But still God’s LOVE remains. His mercy endures forever. If God’s love still holds onto us even when we are lost and is ready to welcome us when we return. Let us ask ourselves how easy do we forget God’s goodness? Or how hard is it share our live with others since we have received God’s graces in our lives?
St Maxmillian Kolbe portrays a unique gesture of such love than never ask who are you to me or how will I benefit from you. It is a love that dies for another to live. He accepts to die on behalf a family man. When we sacrifice little time to help a stranger without asking the benefit. When we offer our resources for people dying from famine or catastrophe, when we stand for justice and truth and we are humiliated we participate in this white martyrdom. Love knows why nor asks why do I help.
God has loved us, God is loving us, and God will love us! Let us do the same beginning with our families. For the moments we have left God and made ourselves center of everything we pray for his forgiveness. For moments we ignored one person suffering we seek renewal to help others. St. Maximilian Kolbe, Pray for us.