Someone faced with many commitments and countless things to do may suddenly exclaim:
“First things first!”
It may be a good way to look at… our relationship with God!
This thought is suggested to us in the 2nd reading of this Sunday (1 Jn.4:7-10):
“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us.”
And, in the gospel, Jesus reminds us: (Jn.15:9-17):
“You did not choose me, but I chose you.”
God has loved us first – he is the one who has gifted us in all manner of things.
He has given us blessings of all kinds.
He has poured his favors into our lives, day after day.
The apostle John tells us:
“For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” (Jn.1:16)
Instead of thinking that we should first turn to God with prayers and offerings,
we should remember that he is the one who first turned to us drawing us to himself!
Remembering this, it is good on this day to say wholeheartedly:
“First things first!”
And… to live accordingly, that is:
to be truly conscious,
to be deeply aware,
to REAL – ize that, when it comes to love, God always takes the initiative!
Note: Another reflection on a different theme is available in French at: https://image-i-nations.com/6e-dimanche-de-paques-annee-b-2021/