Be A Giver – Treasure God’s Love

          “Come to Me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest” (Mt.11:28). But did the people really understand His words? This short passage is considered by many to be the most beautiful words Jesus speaks in Sacred Scripture. The irony is that even today people do not listen; therefore, Jesus still must ask: “Why are you not listening?” The truth is that the Messiah, the Son of God, is in love with every human person, even those who do not listen, who walk away, or even deny his infinite love. It is Jesus’ never-ending love that makes all life possible.

Peguy says, “All life begins with tenderness.” Jesus teaches people with great tenderness, not because they deserve it, but because He needs to be this way. Our Savior is tenderness and love personified. We are sinners, and we go about doing good but also sinning. Jesus only does good, only forgives, only cares, only reaches out, because He is God, who is Infinite Love.

Jesus never gives up on anyone because He wants each of us to feel and understand the great happiness and interior peace that comes with openly and wholeheartedly taking in the tremendous gift of God’s love. “Our hearts will never rest until they rest in Thee,” says St. Augustine to God. Frequent reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ in the Sacrament of the Most Holy Eucharist are the main sources of God’s infinite life and love.

Our Lord and Savior shows us how to love. He gives and He gives and He gives, without counting the cost. People reject and curse Him and He still loves them. He gives and He gives and He never takes back. Jesus says to all of us: “You must learn that it is in giving that you feel love, it is in the giving that you are healed, it is in the giving that you are saved.” If you want to touch God and feel the reality of His life and love in this wonderful world He has created for us, you’ve got to learn how to give freely to God and all others.

If you receive the Sacraments frequently, pray often, and share your love with God and others, you will realize that your loving Savior is carrying you through all the difficulties and challenges of your life. Be a giver and treasure the flame of God’s love in your heart and Jesus will be there to walk you home to Eternal Rest!

May God love and bless you!
Sr. Kathleen Fitzpatrick, IHM