Thursday After Epiphany
Today’s readings highlight the concept that the Bible is a gathering of many stories in order to tell one central story- God loves us and invites us to love in return. When we listen with open hearts, we can understand and experience this love story that has no end. God’s love then impels us to go forth and do the same.
In today’s first reading, we are reminded that “we love God because he first loved us.” This love of God not only draws us into loving God, but also loving our brothers and sisters. Our love of God is lived out by following God’s commandments as well as in believing in Jesus and how He calls us to live.
In the gospel reading, we hear the story of Jesus as He begins his ministry in Nazareth. At the synagogue, He chooses a passage from Isaiah where he reads about someone who will bring mercy, compassion, justice and healing to those in need. Jesus then states that He is the fulfillment of this prophecy. Jesus’ life, death and resurrection provide the template for love of God and neighbor. He draws us into this story when He tells all of His disciples to “follow me.”
Looking at the Bible as a story of love, allows us to better understand the “big picture.” From the beginning, God intended to bring all things into being out of love. Throughout the many stories of the Old Testament, God calls people to believe and choose a relationship of covenant love. Jesus is the climax of the story, since He is God’s love in human form. The stories that Jesus relates help us to recognize how we can live out our love caring for others and for the created world.
The Good News is that this story of love is not ended. We continue to live out this story in our lives. Even in the smallest details of our day we can be participants in this story. When we share a word of compassion, provide support for someone who is oppressed, bring healing to an ailing relationship, or forgive someone in need of mercy, we are continuing to tell this great story of love to the world. We recognize that it is God’s love that allows us to live in this way, and God’s Spirit that provides the grace to act according to the ways of Christ.
Spend some time today reflecting on God’s great story of love as seen through the many stories in scriptures and the stories of your life. Pray for the grace to strengthen your faith and deepen your love, so you can continue to be Christ’s presence in all that you think, say and do.
—Marylynn Herchline