Meditating With Merton. By: C.C.

" Before we were born, God knew us. He knew that some of us would rebel against His love and His mercy, and that others would love Him from the moment that they could love anything, and never change that love. He knew that there would be joy in heaven among the angels of His house for the conversion of some of us." (Thomas Merton- Seven Storey Mountain pg 458)

     And still God loves us just the same. He loves us in our differences. Our Lord not only knew us before we were born, but He accepted all that we would become in the hope that we would someday know Him. He yearns for us to one day love Him with the fullness of our being. He loves the rebel and He loves the devout. Our Lord is love.
   It is dangerous when we forget this truth of love. It is not a matter of avoiding the reality and consequences of sin, or neglecting to acknowledge the judgement of our Lord that we will face. But, rather, it is a reminder that God's love is a gift to each of us. It is a love that does not discriminate as we often do toward one another. It is a love that sees past our mistakes, failures, and shortcomings. A love that is hopeful for the moment of conversion in our souls.
  As we reflect upon the unconditional love of our Lord may our hearts be opened to one another. May we come to see everyone as a child of God. Let us refrain from judging one another and instead spend time in prayer asking the Lord to open the hearts, minds, and souls of those who have yet to know Him. Let us pray for our brothers and sisters who rebel against His love, and for a continued strength and perseverance for those who do love Him. May we each remain hopeful that the angels in heaven may rejoice over many souls turning to our Lord with love and surrender. Let our lives serve as a witness to the love of our Lord and may we continue to share this love by loving one another. Amen (C.C.)