Random Reflections

Mass Readings for 31.10.11 Rom.11:29-36 I constantly wonder why God should love me with such incredible love even though I very frequently and knowingly disobey Him.Any other human, including my own mother would have written me off long ago.God understands my debilitating weaknesses and so He has such deep compassion and mercy on me even to the extent of laying down His life for me on the cross.Such a shameful and horribly painful death no human being would be prepared to undergo for my-sake........ for me such an unlovable person.Such unselfish forgiving and unconditional love is beyond my understanding.That is why I know for certain that God loves me truly.God loves in this manner all His children impartially and extends His mercy to each and every individual in the manner and method according to His Divine Wisdom.None is denied God's mercy and this is a great Mystery.Jesus' infinite mercy and compassion is otherwise known as God's grace.We only have to be aware and respond to this great love in faith. And again faith is a gift of God. Ultimately we live in, through and by God's amazing grace.How blessed are those who fully realize this great Truth and Mystery of God's love. For sure God's love is not like Human love.That is why the Psalmist says " O taste and see the Lord is good." God's love is very addictive ! Luke 14:12-14 At the dinner party where Jesus was invited the Pharisees and Scribes were bent upon picking some defect or fault in the character and personality of Jesus.So they were keenly observing Him in order to make some sort of condemnation.They missed the fact that Jesus was all humility, mercy and justice personified. Many a time when we dislike somebody we become blind to the many good and fine qualities in the other person.Jesus is asking us to share our blessings with others unselfishly particularly with the poor and needy.It may appear to us that all of our material blessings are the work of our hands and that we rightfully deserve them, but in fact they are all gifts of God to us.The material blessings we enjoy have been made possible by God's grace and God expects us to share it with the less fortunate and undeserving.We are also undeserving of God's love and mercy and God has been generous enough to us.We have to imbibe the qualities of God in order to share His company on earth and eternity in Heaven.The giver has to be unselfishly generous and the receiver has to be ever grateful. We attend parties and functions mostly as a social obligation and for some friendly banter and gossip.So much money is spent and appears wasted.And again we are expected to reciprocate by throwing a party or arrange a function and the rigmarole goes on.Jesus also attended social functions but they were purposeful.But mostly He kept company with the poor and the underprivileged.Social functions have a role to play but beyond a point they become meaningless and egoistical exercises.We have to incorporate the ' KIngdom Values ' in all social functions.If all the wealth and spiritual gifts were to be shared amongst all the people then the world would become a wonderful place to live in. It may sound very idealistic but will be soon realised when God brings into being the New Earth and the New Heavens at the end of times. Then that will be the real party time for all of us who have shared generously.Hence let us also like God extend mercy and compassion and forgiveness to others.Praise God. God Bless.