Ordinary time

As we begin the long season of "ordinary time", perhaps it is good to reflect on the ways our faith impacts the stuff of our "ordinary life". What aspects of your every-day routine do you want to focus on this season, to better align with God's love?

In the rough-and-tumble of life, and the many hardships we face, it can become too easy to treat God as unknowable, distant, and we dress up God's love in adult cynicism. "Does God really love you?" is the serpent's seed of doubt from the beginning of time.

But Jesus shows us that God really is for us. In this week's gospel reading (John 15:9-17), Jesus reminds us to "remain in my love". God does not intend our every-day life to be a grind, labouring under guilt or obligation, but that our choices lead us to life, "... so that my joy may be in you, and your joy may be complete." What is Jesus asking of you this week that will help you notice his goodness in a new way?

Walking the way of suffering was not Jesus' goal, nor is it ours. It was for the "joy set before him" (Heb 12:2) - and his joy was being together, being with you! This love of Christ "compels us", Paul suggests (2 Cor 5:14-20), and in our ordinary lives we can become "ambassadors" of this joy, this hope, this being-together gospel.

"Ordinary time". You know what? I think I'm looking forward to it!