Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own. — Psalm 33:12

Mass Readings: 1 Corinthians 12:31–13:13 / Luke 7:31–35 

Love and Grace 

In the Rite of Baptism the celebrant asks the parents a question that makes me chuckle: “Do you clearly understand what you are undertaking?” At that moment, we understand what we’re able to understand, and it’s God’s mercy that we don’t really understand all we’re undertaking! 

I’ve heard today’s first reading proclaimed at numerous weddings. “Love is patient . . . It is not jealous, love is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude. It is not quick-tempered . . . Love never fails.” Like the promise parents make at baptism, it’s a beautiful and powerful description of the love that the couple promises to each another — but not a promise any of us can live out without God’s grace. When the going gets tough, we must turn to God. He promised to see us through.

Prayer: O God, help me remember to ask for more grace when I need it.