I have gravely underestimated the love of my Father for me.
We recently went away for a few days during the School Holidays. It was all supposed to be a bit of fun – and in many ways it was fun.
We travelled for many hours by car to reach our destination. We made plans to do activities in the local area that were enjoyable for our family and allowed us to spend time together. And when we were done – having enjoyed our brief stay – we returned home after many hours on the road by car.
Before we had left our home, I had made sure that it was nice and clean. My children and I had cleaned the floors sand benches and bathrooms and bedding. This is an old trick that my mother had taught me from when I was very little. Whenever going away on holiday or for any reason, always leave your home nice and clean and tidy. That way, when you return from your trip you can feel rested and at ease rather than rushing around trying to get your home in order while you were unpacking from your trip.
And so, when we arrived home – quite late at night – we were able to quickly unpack, do a little washing and prepare to sleep for the night.
And I have been thinking about that over the last few days because that feeling of returning home reminds me of the feeling I should have in returning to my Beloved after each sin.
You see, we are given the gift of the Sacrament Reconciliation. When we sin, it is as though we are undertaking a journey away from home. And unlike a holiday (a few days away with my family) those sins cause me to move away from God and away from God’s plan for my life and salvation. But through the Sacrament of Reconciliation we have the opportunity to return home to a clean house.
That Sacrament allows us to wash our souls clean and to ensure that we are able to return HOME to our Father in Heaven. And the fervour with which we receive this sacrament impacts the cleanliness of the House of our Soul.
And I have been thinking about that today as I have been thinking about it as it relates to the Love of God the Father. For how much infinite love He must have for miserable souls such as mine if He is able to forgive such sins as mine, just to allow me the joy of cleaning my home.
And it occurs to me today that I have gravely underestimated the love of my Father for me – for He is willing to bear every evil, sinful and offensive thing for my very sake – just for love of me – because He knows that I am His child and He loves me – even despite my sins…
For with prayer, I stand on Holy Ground where everything is clear. Here. At the Foot of the Cross.
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