Second Sunday of Lent: The Profound Love of a Parent for their Child
My mother once told me that shortly after I was born, she sat on the front porch, rocked me all afternoon, and just looked upon me trying to comprehend the wonder of her first-born. God loves us in this way, totally, without critique.
Those of you who have had children or have dedicated yourselves to teaching children, know this love of God. We love our precious newborn with our whole heart despite stinky diapers and sleepless nights. We forgive our children when they make mistakes and teach them lessons for the future. We are children of God, and God loves us unconditionally—without thought of our personality quirks or mistakes. God forgives—ALWAYS!
When St. Clare was dying, she exclaimed: “I praise and thank you, God, for having created me!” How many of us would say these as our last words? The heart of God beats within my glorious being! “I praise and thank you, God, for having created me!”
As we pray during this second week of Lent, let us consider:
- Is there a physical or mental pain within me that needs care, grief that requires tender understanding, or a spiritual call that needs a dauntless gaze?
- Can I imagine the very heart of God beating within my glorious soul?
- Have I heeded the call of Jesus to forgive myself unconditionally; to love myself as God loves me?