"I am the Lord, your God, who grasp your right hand"

Isaiah 41:13

How many times has someone grasped your hand in care and love?

Think about the experience we have all seen and been a part of. When we were little and in our first years of being able to walk, our parent or someone older would take us by the hand. Especially if there was danger, in places like crossing an intersection, our hands would be grasped so we could be safely guided to the other side.

I love the image of a mother or father grabbing their child's hand and leading them safely across a dangerous street. Taken by the hand to be brought safely through the roaring danger to the other side of the street- what a great analogy for our few moments (for that is what it is compared to eternity) on planet earth. Jesus offers to grab our hand and lead us through all the threats to our lives to the other side. Have we allowed Jesus to grab our hand and ensure our safety on this side of heaven which is full of danger?

For many years I did not let Jesus grab my hand and lead and guide me. I thought I knew how to get to the other side amidst all the things that could harm me. I still can go there. It is like I think I can figure out what Jesus' love and care is all about without him leading and guiding me to it. So, I let go of his hand and try to cross the street by myself.

One area that I have and still do let go of his hand is in the area of what I think will make me loveable. I have always wanted to be big-time known, famous. My thinking is that if a lot of people know you, you must be important and if you are important then you are loveable and thus you can finally garner the love you so desperately want. I know, pretty silly because you cannot earn God’s unconditional love. But, I share this with you because any time I do this it is like I am letting go of Jesus' hand and his guiding me safely to what his love and care is all about.

Pray and think and write about how Jesus has taken you by the hand in this life and shown you what true love and care is all about.

"Jesus, I believe you have grasped me by the hand to never let go. Show me how you have led me in your care and love. I say 'Yes' to your grasping my hand for the rest of my life as you lead me to the other side: heaven. Amen."

+Fr. John

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