Acts 12:24-13:5 / Jn 12:44-50
The Bible tells us again and again that we human beings are created "in the image and likeness of God." Indeed, most of us have known that phrase by heart since childhood. However, there's considerable evidence to suggest that in practice most of us have turned that saying on its head and have instead created God in our own image and likeness. That means, of course, that our idea of God is neither very large nor very nice.
Today's gospel suggests that our making God too small is a very old problem. Why else would Jesus have had to reassure His listeners that He had not come to condemn us but to save us — all of us?
God never rejects anyone. Even on our worst days He still calls us by name and holds out His hand to us. It's not God who turns away, it's we ourselves who reject His hand and close our ears to His voice. And in doing so, we cut ourselves off from the source of life and joy.
Don't do that. Not even for an instant. Trust the Lord's love for you. Take His hand, and don't ever let go! Let God be God for you.
