The most powerful bond

Readings for Thursday October 29, 2009

First Reading: Romans 8:31-39
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 109
Gospel: Luke 13:31-35


For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom. 8:38-39)

I recently discovered this stuff called Gorilla Glue. Let me tell you, I think it is the best and strongest glue I have ever used (please don't worry, this is not an endorsement). I have used it for several projects now, and it really works great; it forms a strong bond which makes sure that things really stick together. It works on all kinds of materials and on many different surfaces. While Gorilla Glue may create a strong a bond, it is a bond that with the right materials and with time can become undone.

In today's letter to the Romans, Saint Paul tells about a bond that cannot be undone, not matter what. He is talking about the love of God, and how there is nothing on heaven or on earth that can break this powerful bond. I believe that this passage give us reason not to lose hope. And to be honest, when we look at the world today, it can be very easy to become frightened and to lose hope. It is challenging to trust when we see such evil things taking place; and when we see our rights, liberties and freedoms being taken away a little at a time. But we must remember that no matter what earthly thing that we have that is taken away, no one or no thing can take away the love of God from us. We can also find great hope in the words of Saint Paul, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Rom 8:31b)

Nothing can separate us from the love of God. In today's gospel, it was clear that the principality of that time (Herod) could do nothing to stop Jesus from fulfilling His mission, and nothing can stop Him now. So don't lose hope, we have and always will have the love of God, which is the most powerful bond, one which can never be broken.

Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, forgive us for the times when we do not trust, or for the times when we lose hope; increase our faith Lord so that we might follow you confidently no matter where you lead us to. Lord, you alone know our path, help us to see your will in our lives and to surrender our own will. Lord, we pray for all those in need of conversion and all those who do not know your love. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.