Yield to God’s love
The Word of God, living and effective, promises us a lot today, though it cuts like a two-edged sword.
God promises comfort, rest, forgiveness of guilt, and the gift of salvation. He is like a shepherd gathering the lambs in his arms and carrying them. Beautiful, except we, his people, are likened to grass and sheep. Grass is the lowest crop. Sheep have not been lauded for their intelligence.
Does the imagery fit? Maybe we haven’t always been keen to prepare the way of the Lord into our lives. At least not fully, as Francis Thompson wrote, “Yet was I sore adread lest having Him, I must have naught beside.” Perhaps we have strayed from the straight path. Could it be that we have removed our gaze from our good shepherd? Have we placed our hope in someone, something, else?
The Word of God comforts and challenges us at the same time. God’s love is everlasting. God always seeks us. The challenge is to yield to God’s love, to trust in it, to abide in it, which requires a life centered on God first and foremost, living by his Word, so we can become what he made us to be.
David Werning is the Senior Director for Catholic Identity at Catholic Charities USA.