I find it quite normal for me to gauge the worth of a thing by the value of what the thing offers. It sounds perfectly logical, doesn’t it? After all, things that bring little to no value aren’t worth much, right? Let’s be honest, fat-free ice cream just isn’t worth much. A thin jacket on a snowy day just isn’t worth much, but maybe more than the fat-free ice cream.
We have a desire to seek the things that please us most. After all, the greatest value, the thing(s) that we would say is (are) worth the most, is (are) found in the thing(s) that pleases us most. And each time we find a moment of thrilling happiness in the thing, we long to have the thing again (or more of it, or both).
I think of individuals owning a fleet of classic cars, or one who has a multitude of homes, or one who indulges in great quantities of wonderful fat-filled ice cream. There are many things that we can find worthy of our time and money when the thing brings us great value.
But, as Christians, we are charged to recall that we have everything that will ever be worth anything. We possess the thing that is of most value, and everything else pales in comparison. St. Paul writes to those who have been baptized into the Body of Christ living in Rome the reminder that “...we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1-2) and further states that Christians rejoice in their sufferings (Romans 5:3). Then, after breaking it all down, St. Paul brings it home at verse 5 where he makes the proclamation “...because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”
That’s “wow” worthy, because what is more wonderful that God’s love poured into our hearts? The Holy Spirit, given to God’s people, pours into our hearts God’s love. When considering the worth of this gift, consider the value it offers (hint-it’s everything!).
When we look out into the world in which we live with hearts full of God’s love, we see the world differently. We go in peace, we act compassionately, we care deeply. We desire the best for our family, friends, and neighbors, and we offer ourselves because of the love that is known by Jesus offering Himself for us.
Today take some time to consider what your heart is really full of, is it God’s love?
Our verse for today is from St. John’s Gospel account, chapter 14, verse 15, where Jesus says
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”
Almighty Father, you sent your only Son that, through Him, we might be saved, and sent the Holy Spirit to reveal this Truth to us, such that the love of God is poured into our hearts; a value beyond price, and a worth beyond comprehension; help us see the world through the fullness of you love, that we might know peace, and rest in hope, through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who with Thee and the Holy Spirit are One God, now and always. AMEN.