Overflow

This is a reflection on the Mass readings of the day.

Sometimes we may be downcast by the state of the world; belief and trust in God may appear contradicted by the sheer number of people who live in misery and in rejection of His grace.

But in the readings today, we see God’s promise play out gloriously. Jesus redefines love, not as some sort of strong superficial attraction, not as a desire to “be with,” but as the willingness to lay down one’s life for the beloved; in other words, radical choice for the beloved’s welfare. This is the love with which He loves us; this is the love for one another that He asks of us.

The psalm tells us how the outpouring of that love plays out in God’s plan of salvation: “The Lord has revealed to the nations His saving power.”

And in the first reading, after Cornelius falls prostrate before the disciples, the Holy Spirit rushes in–with reckless abandon, it seems–He rushes in to fill the hearts of the receptive Gentiles, and all give praise and glory to God for His marvels.

To understand God’s overflowing bounty, goodness, generosity, love, we shouldn’t turn our eyes to those who reject Him, but rather to those who accept Him, with all His gifts and all His demands. Those who do so unconditionally, in absolute trust, are never, ever disappointed–but rather, invariably overwhelmed by the unexpected scope of His goodness.

Ideas for conversation with the Lord: Tell Jesus how sorry you are for all the times you haven’t trusted in Him, that you’ve listened to the siren song of the world’s cynics and naysayers, seeking comfort in a dim view. Ask Him for the gift of infallible trust in that goodness that He has proven to you, and to the world, time after time.