Back in the 90’s I had the privilege to visit Israel with a former student and her family. It was a most adventurous and faith-filling trip. There were many special moments and one that I was reminded of by this past weekend’s readings.
I was standing by the elevator waiting to go to my room, and next to me stood a young gentleman. As we waited, there was a frightening call down the hall as a young child was calling out “Abba, Abba!” When he saw his daddy, he jumped into his arms, his look of joy in finding his Abba all-telling. He wasn’t lost anymore, and he was now safe. There was a great display of love and trust between the two of them. Whenever the word “Abba” is used in the scripture I can’t help but picture this scene. It puts new meaning on that term of endearment, "Abba, Daddy!" It wasn’t till I heard it spoken by a child to his father did the word “Abba” come alive.
Have you ever cried out “Abba, where are you?” when praying to God? I think it has been an experience for most of us. During difficult times we can forget how much God loves us and that it is us who go astray, move away from God and then feel lost, by ourselves. We need to experience that trust the young boy had when he found his Abba and jumped into his arms.
Do we have enough trust in God’s love for us so that we can run to him and jump into his arms and know that all will be well? It is definitely easier during good times. It’s during the challenging times that we may find it difficult to trust in God’s plan for us. What do you do to remind yourself that you are loved and special in the eyes of God? God wants to be our Abba. During this week call out to Him using the familiar term and quietly listen to His response to you. I am sure like that young child you will hear soothing and loving words proclaiming that you are His special child and all will be well.
Till next week,
Sister Theresita
