Knowing the Father
John tells us how we can test ourselves. Do we know the Father? True knowledge of God is obedience to God’s commands. I do not know when you are reading this, but whenever, so far this day, have you kept God’s commands. If you just woke up, probably, if you remembered your morning prayers. If you are relaxing and Wheel of Fortune just got over, better plan some time to think this through. Here is the problem. If we claim to know God but are not obedient to His commandments, then we are a liar. If we convict ourselves of this lie, what about the rest of our life? One lie always leads to another and another and another until we seek confession.
“Love one another as I have loved you.” An old commandment with a new ending. We are to love as Jesus loved you. Understand, this is not a new beginning of the commandment but a new beginning for you to follow the commandment. God always grants new beginnings when we seek forgiveness. We can start over and try even harder, sort of.
You see we can follow Jesus, example. When we fall, we should always take a few moments and consider how did this happen? Why did it happen? Then think what am I going to do in the future to prevent it from happening again? Being in the presence of Jesus changes our lives. That means frequent reception of the Holy Eucharist or spending time in the Adoration Chapel. Wouldn’t these make good New Year’s resolutions?
May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father and if the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen