We Are His
Posted on: February 14, 2013
A Valentine’s Day decoration I made for my husband a few years ago
“Be Mine.” The message in Valentine’s Day greeting cards is usually some variation on this theme. However short but sweet or long and flowery it may be, though, the sentiment is never a book-length message about the sender’s love.
Then there’s the Bible. It is a whole book—or rather, a collection of books—about God’s love for us. But God doesn’t ask us to be his; he tells us in Isaiah 43:1* that we already are:
But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine.”
Not only does God reassure us that we belong to him, he also affirms in Jeremiah 31:3* that he will always love us:
“I have loved you with an everlasting love;
therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.”
If we ever have any doubt that God loves us, as imperfect as we are, his own words and actions should clear that doubt away. The question is whether we then show that love to others, as Jesus told us to in John 13:34-35*:
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Valentine’s Day seems like the perfect time to show we care for others—to say “I love you,” with flowers or candy or a grand gesture—but we’re called to love one another every day. That love could take many forms, such as these:
- a kind word or a smile for someone who’s having a rough day
- a listening ear for someone struggling to make a decision
- family game night or cooking night
- volunteer work at our parish, our children’s school or with a charity
The bottom line: whether we are single or part of a couple this Valentine’s Day, God’s love is always with us, and we’re called to share that love.
And speaking of being called… this Sunday, February 17th, catechumens and candidates will take part in the Rite of Election. (In the Archdiocese of Ottawa, the service will be held at Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica at 2:30 p.m.) Please pray for those preparing to be received into the Church at Easter.
*All Bible quotes are taken from the Holy Bible, Revised Standard Version, Second Catholic Edition.
A Catholic Convert in Ottawa 