My last article for the Universe Bulletin dated March 29, 2013 was my Easter Message. The headline on the article was ?God?s love for us knows no bounds.? The focus of the article was the acknowledgment that God has done so much for us so much does He love us. His desire has been and continues to be our living with Him now and into eternity.
Upon reflection and in light of celebrating a number of Masses and Services up to and after Easter, I was struck by the emphasis in prayers and in readings which identified individuals who were so significant in God?s Plan for the true and lasting blessedness of all God?s people, and the faithfulness and obedience they exemplified in bringing to fruition God?s Plan for humankind.
Certainly, first and foremost was Jesus Christ who as the Word of God became flesh and made his dwelling among us (John 1:14) and was the only Son so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. (John 3:16) After the Last Supper, He prayed in the Garden ?Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me; still, not my will but yours be done.? (Luke 22:42)
In truth Jesus Christ was ever obedient and faithful to the Father?s Plan for us, which is summed up so succinctly and beautifully in these words from the Epistle to the Hebrews ?The Lord said, as he entered the world: Behold, I come to do your will, O God.? (Heb 10:5,7)
This past Monday we celebrated the Solemnity of the Annunciation which recalls for all of us the angel?s appearance to Mary asking her to become the mother of God. Mary fully human and devoted to God responded to the invitation by saying ?May it be done to me according to your word.? (Luke 1:38) Again, a faithful and committed believer turns her life over to God so that His plan may be realized and experienced by people.
Thus, Jesus Christ and Mary responded so well to the Father?s Plan that one can see how God?s love for us knows no bounds!
However, as we know God?s love for us continues in so many ways, and as part of the Plan going forward God has invited us to carry the message and life of God to others strengthening their faith in many instances and by introducing people to God who have not yet heard of him. Yes, indeed as St. Paul wrote to the Corinthians we are ambassadors for Christ as if God were appealing through us. (2 Cor 5:20)
Jesus Christ was sent by the Father, Mary was chosen for a special role, you and I have been chosen to do our part bringing God?s love and presence to the lives of people who know him and who do not know him but need to know him.
My friends, being an ambassador for God is really not an option for those who are initiated through Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. Being a member of God?s family as daughters and sons we are called to fulfill the role of ambassador, the role of disciple. God is looking for nothing less from us, and is counting on our cooperation.
It would be a shame that some people do not experience the boundlessness of God?s love because we did not fulfill to the best of our ability the presence of God?s love in their lives.
(The above column by the Most Reverend Richard Lennon, Bishop of Cleveland originally appeared in the Friday, April 12, 2013 issue of the Catholic Universe Bulletin, the official newspaper of the Diocese of Cleveland.)