Beloved

I was reminded today of the love of God for me. I am His beloved. He sacrificed himself for me. This is where I have found peace today... in being his beloved. In being loved. And the amazing thing is that all He asks of me in return is love. "What greater joy than to suffer for love?" a saint once asked. I am reminded today that He asks for our lives to be an offering of love to Him. This is in return for Him pouring Himself out to us to that "even the worst crime we have committed would be like a drop of water thrown into a roaring furnace." That is His love. Speak with Him. And get to know this love. He said once to a holy soul, "Not one soul will reach hell without first tearing himself out of my arms." The love of God for us is intense, passionate, jealous, and true. Find Him in His mercy. Find Him in Confession, where nothing is too big for His love to forgive. Place your complete confidence in His undying affection for you. He will not disappoint. Pray to Him and ask Him what you need in such a way that you believe it has already been done. Seek Him. And find His love. And your life will be an adventure. Where do we place our trust? In our job? In our material possessions? In our reputation? In the car we drive? In the friends we have? In our degree? Throw yourself into your vocation... where you will suffer for the sake of love and there He will be to carry you and to love you. This is where you will find your joy. Be loved by God and accept His mercy. He could find no greater way to tell us that he loved us, so He died for us. How shall we bow down with a grateful heart to thank Him? He wants us to accept His love and His mercy and to place all of our confidence and trust in Him alone. I think of how much I love my children and then I remember that He loves me more. Be loved today. Allow Him to find you in your weakness and love you. And there you will find your joy.