May 3, Fourth Sunday of Easter

The stone rejected by the builders has becomethe cornerstone.-- Psalm 118:22

Mass readings: Acts 4:8-12 / 1 John 3:1-2 / John 10:11-18

I Am a Child of God

In spite of my attraction to the holy cards and illustrations of Jesus tenderly embracing His sheep, I can't fully grasp the concept: Jesus' complete and abandoned love for His beloved. Today's second reading -- ''we are God's children now'' -- moves me toward understanding. We have a sense of what it means to be a parent, to look after one's own. It's likely not difficult for us to conceptualize the type of selfless, constant love that parenting requires. While we can't literally put ourselves in God's situation, we understand the idea of being willing to give our life for our own child.

This is the love that the Father has for each of us. It is not something we can earn, or win, or work for. It simply is! We are God's children now.

Prayer: Thank you, Heavenly Father, for claiming me as Your own.