Day 38 – You are My Beloved Child

Cantonese

Mandarin

English

God the Father spoke three times in the New Testament that could be heard. We will talk about two of these incidents today. The first time was at Jesus' baptism,

After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened [for him], and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove [and] coming upon Him. And a voice came from the heavens, saying, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."

(Matthew 3:16-17)

and the second time on the Mount of Transfiguration.

Behold, a bright cloud cast a shadow over them, then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him."

(Matthew 17:5)

On both occasions, God the Father clearly indicated to us His relationship with Jesus, that Jesus is His Beloved Son.

At Jesus' baptism, God's voice was like a public announcement to everyone present, declaring the identity of Jesus to all.

As we are baptized, we share in the divinity of God. God the Father also declares to the world that we are His Beloved children. Just as God was well pleased with Jesus even though he had not begun His public ministry, God is well pleased with us, needing no proof of our fidelity and worthiness. The gift of our status as a Beloved child is truly unconditional.

The second time God spoke was at the Transfiguration of Jesus. His voice came from the cloud, which represented God's presence. It was closer and thus more intimate. In that incident, clearly God was speaking to the three apostles, who represent us. It happened after Jesus’ first prediction of His Passion. Through that out-of-the-world experience, God the Father wanted to strengthen both Jesus and the disciples, to provide them with a deep consolation to ride out the upcoming trials and persecutions.

God the Father has a particular instruction for us, "Listen to Him." This affirmed the "Conditions of Discipleship" instructed by Jesus to us, His followers. If you may recall, the same instruction was given to us through Mother Mary at a wedding in Cana.

His mother said to the servers, "Do whatever He tells you."

(John 2:5)

This commandment for all Christians has become the most important instruction of all time, given to us by both Jesus' Father and Mother. "Listen to Him!"

Holy Thursday marks the beginning of the climax of the Holy Week, the Lenten Season, and in fact the whole liturgical year for various reasons. The obvious reasons are Jesus instituted the Holy Eucharist as well as the Holy Order during the Last Supper. It was also the most intimate time Jesus had with His Apostles. We are all familiar with His washing of the disciples' feet during the Last Supper, showing His deep affection for them, while demonstrating the model of a servant leader for them to follow. Mind you, Judas was there during that most humbling feet washing ritual.

Even during His most painful time, Jesus did not exclude Judas from receiving His love for him. This most intimate relationship excludes no sinners. There is no exception to the rule, as long as you accept His love.

Simon Peter said to Jesus, "Master, then not only my feet, but my hands and head as well."

(John 13:9)

Look at Peter, who showed Jesus such an affectionate response when Jesus told him,

"Unless I wash you, you have no share with me."

(John 13:8)

This kind of love is what quenches the thirst of Jesus for our affection.

The telling of the parable of the Vine and the Branches (John 15:1-10), and in particular, the Prayer of Jesus to His Father (John 17) in the presence of His Apostles, unmistakably show us how much Jesus and His Father want to be completely united with us, His Beloved. Shortly before His arrest, Passion and death on the Cross, Jesus' last words and prayer for us are not to be taken lightly!

REFLECTION

How much can you relate to being identified and called by God the Father as His "Beloved child"?

By showing us how He related to His Beloved Son, Jesus, God the Father also shows us the extent He wishes to intimately relate to us. Take a moment to taste and feel the sweetness and tenderness of our Heavenly Father.

Do you believe that God’s love for us shows no partiality, that an intimate relationship with Him is possible with no exception?

TODAY'S PRAYER

Dear Abba Father, in the past, I was not fully aware of Your tender love for me. How ignorant was I! And how little had I paid attention to Your attentive love for me! As I prepare myself to embrace the sacredness of this holy season, please enlighten me with Your holy love. Grant me the eyes of faith to find You in all things, and to respond with an affectionate heart. I resolve to start showing up to Your presence as You seek me out in my daily life.

I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

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