We engage in different types of relationships: with relatives and friends, neighbors and colleagues.
From different people, we expect different things while we appreciate the qualities of each one.
But from all of them, we usually expect one attitude above all others, it is that of FAITHFULNESS.
We want to be able to rely on them in good and bad times alike.
Today’s 2nd reading (2 Timothy 2:8-13) ends with an amazing – and very comforting – statement.
It says:
“We may be unfaithful but he (God) is always faithful.”
God’s faithfulness does NOT depend on ours… some of us may need to convince ourselves of this.
Rules and regulations, commandments and observances – all of these are signposts to show us the way.
But our being faithful to them is NOT a condition for God’s love and compassion to reach us.
“Does a woman forget her baby at the breast? Even if these forget, I will never forget you.” (Isaiah 49:15)
God is faithful…
“I will watch over you.” (Psalm 32:8)
God is faithful…
“I myself will show them where to rest… I shall look for the lost one… bandage the wounded.” (Ezekiel 34:15-16)
God is faithful…
“If God clothes the flowers in the field… will he not much more look after you?” (Matthew 6:30)
God is faithful…
“I am with you always, yes, to the end of time.” (Matthew 28:20)
God is faithful…
It is said that there is nothing God cannot do.
Personally, I believe that God CANNOT forget his promises.
God CANNOT fail to carry out what he said he would do
God CANNOT be untrue to his word.
Even in the depths of our own unfaithfulness, we can always rely on this FAITHFUL GOD.
Note: Another reflection is available on a different theme in French at: https://image-i-nations.com/28e-dimanche-de-lannee-c-2022/