1 John 3:1-3
“See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.” vs. 3
When the present leaves us crushed and the future seems dismal, the one consolation we can count on is our parentage: we are beloved children of God! There’s no DNA testing necessary and no background checks to pass. By grace, and by grace alone, God loves us and calls us children! And the best news of all is that every person in this world is a much-loved child of God. No one is excluded! From God’s perspective every person of every race, tribe, religion, and even those of no religion at all, are all part of one big family. Amazingly, there are some Christians who’d prefer a bit of exclusivity; they’d at least like to be known as God’s favorites. In their minds love is watered down and becomes less special when it’s spread around so freely. Now it is true that countless millions in this world don’t know or haven’t heard that they are loved by God and a part of God’s family. But it’s absolutely false to say that God’s love is reserved for followers of Jesus. We are not members of an exclusive club. But we are blessed! Not because we are loved more, but because we know we are loved! And the knowing is what brings the peace and security in the presence of uncertainty.
Thought for the Day: How can I help others to know the love of God?
Desert Meditations 
Although your message arrived a day early,I want you to know it was very meaningful to me. Ever since I watched an ecumenical service on EWTN from Sweden early Halloween,I have thought about sharing it with you.Were you able to follow that event too? They said you could watch it on EWTN.com How amazing to witness Pope Francis and the Lutheran World Federation conducting a service together, both individually confessing their 500 year old sin of not honoring the eighth commandment and slandering each other. It was an agape love service in a packed church filled with representatives from many countries and faiths. The pope was thankful for the fifty years of ecumenical talks that led up to this service. They signed a commitment agreement towards unity.Each pledge was read aloud and a candle lit. It brought tears of thanksgiving to my eyes. I know your stay at Tantur was helping towards unity too. Thank you for your wise teachings,and shepherding us in our faith journey. Shalom Kathy
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I didn’t see it, Kathy, but I am so grateful for those times when we can celebrate reconciliation instead of division.
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