Lord God, let steadfast love and faithfulness meet within me ...

​Ezekiel 43: 1-7 & Psalm 85

As much as human relationships spring out of the combination of steadfast love and faithfulness they become powerful and unshakable, a place where righteousness and peace kiss each other.  The Holy Family demonstrates such relationships. Based on her steadfast love and faithfulness to God, Mary accepted the angel’s announcement, brought Jesus the Christ to birth, mothered him through childhood, adolescence and young adulthood (till the age of 33 –no small feat!) and stayed by his side through his passion and crucifixion.  As a spouse, Joseph accepted, fully loved, and was faithful to Mary. As a father, Joseph guided his small family to safety in a foreign country, with unshakable love and faith.  As the Son of God and ‘friend of sinners’, Jesus manifested the ultimate steadfast love and faithfulness of a Son for a Father, of a Son for his mother, and of a friend for friends. Do I truly long for the righteousness and peace experienced by the Holy Family in their lives? Will I allow the Holy Spirit to nurture and combine steadfast love and faithfulness in my relationships?  Lord God, let steadfast love and faithfulness meet in me so that ‘righteousness and peace can kiss each other’.
   
Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit.  (Psalm 51:12)
 
The rivers of grace cannot flow uphill, up the steep cliff of the proud person’s heart.
St. Bernard de Clairvaux
                                                                                                       

 
Soli gloriam dei.