COMPLETE
Today’s Eastertide word is COMPLETE. Aware of our brokenness we all long for the wholeness that comes from the completion of God’s work in us.
In his first letter St John shows us the source of the completion we seek. It’s found in the relationship of love at the heart of the gospel, and that both calls and sustains us wherever life leads us. He writes:
“My dear people, since God has loved us so much, we too should love one another. No one has ever seen God; but as long as we love one another God will live in us and God will be complete in us.”
He makes a very clear connection between God’s love for us and our love for one another. This love is life changing and challenging. It acknowledges our brokenness and offers us a path towards wholeness. It’s a love that doesn’t give up when it’s hard or painful.
As St Benedict reminds us this love calls us to consider first what is best for the other rather than for ourselves. It calls for a daily recommitment. Sometimes it’s easier in the big challenges than in the small interactions of daily life which can feel so mundane and irritating.
Such love is beyond our human capacity, and in many ways it is. It is only when we know and accept ourselves as truly and unconditionally loved by God that we can begin to offer that love to others. us.
As we move towards Pentecost it’s worth remembering that the completion that brings us to wholeness relies on us abiding in God’s love so that we can carry it with us to a world in need.
How are you being to called to allow God’s love to bring you to wholeness this Eastertide?