Daily Reflections ...

Growing up, I definitely was one of those people who saw God as an almighty, distant and punishing figure who wouldn’t look too kindly on some of the choices I had made. In experiencing God’s love and mercy later in my life, I left behind my previous perception and shelved it away, perhaps a common experience for many of us. Often I am reminded that it’s not one or the other but both.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us, despite being a merciful and loving God, that we will be judged according to our choices and actions. A loving father that embraces and forgives also doesn’t tolerate some of their children’s behaviours and calls them to a better and higher way of living. So it is with us and God, the Father.

With this particular line “Whoever listens to you…”, Jesus challenges us as his followers and witnesses to faith, to take a good look at our actions and understand that as followers, our actions can be the difference between someone knowing God’s love or not. Jesus has entrusted his mission to his disciples (us!) so listening to us is like listening to him or is it ?

Let us consider today who God is for us and consider the challenge it is to live a life beyond reproach so that others may come to know Him through us.

by Arnie Hurdoyal