THE MOST HOLY NAME OF JESUS (OPTIONAL MEMORIAL)

See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. 

What an amazing gift! God offers us the immense privilege of being children of God. Through Jesus, he has adopted us and made us his sons and daughters—a dignity so astounding that we can hardly grasp it. And yet, as John says, “So we are” (1 John 3:1). Our Father wants us to walk confidently in the world, with our hearts secure of our place in his divine family. But what does it really mean to be children of God?

First, it means that we are re-created. Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we can receive an entirely new life, God’s own life. At the moment of our Baptism, that’s what happened. God breathed his Holy Spirit into us and made us new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17). He also began a process of renovation within us. For the rest of our lives, God is at work, changing us from the inside out so that we resemble his Son.

Second, as children of God, we have a new connection with God. Our relationship with our Father is not driven by fear or by striving to win his affection; it is based on his unwavering faithfulness to us. It’s a relationship of love, peace, and security. That connection with him fills us with gratitude and moves us to obey him. When we stumble, we can repent, because he will always take us back. His fatherly care remains with us no matter what!

Finally, as God’s children, we are beloved by our Father. He loves us so much that he gave his Son to be our Savior. At Jesus’ Baptism, the heavens opened, and the Father’s voice rang out, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased” (Mark 1:11). When our Father looks at us, he sees Jesus and his life within us. He delights in us and says, These are my beloved sons and daughters, in whom I am well pleased. What wondrous love God has for us!

Before you do anything else today, take a moment to be amazed that the maker of heaven and earth has made you his child.

“Father, help me to never forget that you have called me into your family!”

1 John 2:29-3:6
Psalm 98:1, 3-6
John 1:29-34