The Surprise Summer Page-Turner

Love on Hold by Peter Yaremko

Posted on: September 10th, 2016

 

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Jesus spoke often of our need to be vigilant. For example, he told the story of the five foolish virgins who let the oil in their lamps run out before the arrival of the bridegroom . . . and the story of the faithful steward whom the master left in charge of his servants.

“Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival,” Jesus promised.

But this is only half the story.  Because God displays his great mercy toward us through his own loving vigilance in waiting for us to return to him.

Pope Francis points out that patient waiting is a quality of God. In his book, The Joy of Discipleship, Pope Francis writes:

“He is a patient father, always waiting for us! He respects our freedom, but he remains faithful forever. And when we come back to him, he welcomes us like children into his house, for he never ceases, not for one instant, to wait for us with love.”

And when we come to God in love and repentance, his heart rejoices. “He is celebrating because he is joy,” Francis says. “God has this joy, when one of us sinners goes to him and asks his forgiveness.”

Our prayer today: Jesus, we pray for perseverance in faithfully and joyfully awaiting your coming.

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