We try to live as followers of Jesus.
We do our best to be faithful to what he asks from us.
We make special efforts to carry out what we believe is his will.
But . . .
But, when we look at the result of our efforts, we may lose heart.
We may feel discouraged at seeing the outcome of what we thought was our best…
If so, today’s message in the 2nd reading (1 Jn.3:18-24) is meant for us –
meant to give us comfort.
The apostle John writing to the first Christians assures them:
“If our hearts condemn us,
we know that God is greater than our hearts,
and he knows everything.”
What an encouraging thought!
What a truly wonderful reality: God knows, God understands!
God knows our inner feelings, he is aware of our good intentions.
He understands – so much better than we do – that we do not always succeed in doing what we would like to do.
We are not always able to be the person that we would like to become.
We are not yet the ‘ideal self’ that we want to be.
He knows that we are still on the way and… he walks on that way with us!
So, one more step today is what he accepts, ready to wait for what we see as our slow progress,
and not condemning us for it, simply walking with us.
Truly, God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.”
Note: Another reflection on a different theme is available in French at: https://image-i-nations.com/5e-dimanche-de-paques-annee-b-2021/