For in Him we live

Readings for Wednesday May 20, 2009

First Reading:  Acts 17:15,22-18:1

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 148

Gospel:  John 16:12-15

The God who made the world and all that is in it, the Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in sanctuaries made by human hands, nor is he served by human hands because he needs anything.  Rather it is he who gives to everyone life and breath and everything.  He made from one the whole human race to dwell on the entire surface of the earth, and he fixed the ordered seasons and the boundaries of their regions, so that people might seek God, even perhaps grope for him and find him, though indeed he is not far from any one of us.  For 'In him we live and move and have our being,'  (Acts 17:24-28)

Have you ever noticed how clingy kids are to their parents.  This is especially true when they are afraid or in trouble, they rush over to one of the parents and wrap their arms around any part of their body they can latch on to, and they just hold on for dear life.  This same clingy behavior can also be experienced during times of great joy, perhaps an encouraging word, a nice gift, or just a good day can inspire an emotional burst in a child.  They cling because they know that with that parent they are safe, they can receive comfort, they are where they belong.  This of course all changes once kids get older and then are "too mature" or too cool to do that hugging and clinging nonsense.  

We see in the book of Acts today that Saint Paul tells the Athenians about the greatness of God and that through His glory, power and might that people might seek Him out, maybe even grope for Him.  It is this same type of groping, reaching for God desperately, that is like the child who runs and clings to his or her parent.  We need to do more than just seek God in our lives, we need to cling to Him.  He is our heavenly Father and it is in Him that we will find comfort, protection and peace.  We need to remember how limited we are, and how mighty God is.  Let us make sure that we do not think that we are too mature or too cool for God.  We need to humble ourselves like children, and go and cling to our Lord who loves us and takes us in no matter what.    

Let us always remember the words used by Saint Paul today:  "For in Him we live and move and have our being."  

Father above, we thank you for the gift of this day.  Lord, help us to humble ourselves like children; after all we are your sons and daughters who you created.  Help us to let go of this world, and cling to you.  Help us to see clearly your love and mercy in our lives and to have the faith of a child.  Lord, we thank you for all you bless us with, and we ask this all through Christ our Lord.  Amen.