November 13, 2024,
A faith sharing group in our parish is working with a book by Joyce Rupp call, “May I Have This Dance”. If you are not familiar with this book, each month is a chapter. We are presently looking at November. The theme for the month is ‘Faithful Love’.
As we shared our thoughts on what Faithful Love means, there was an underlying sense of agreement on the meaning of these two words -Faithful Love. Family relations, job related situations, sibling relationships, religious life situations, and our relationship with God, all came into the discussion. What does it mean to be faithful? Who is faithful? How do you remain faithful? Am I able to understand God’s faithfulness, or do I put human limitations on it? All of these are valid questions which need to be answered individually.
I do want to share with you an example of what one of our participants expressed as an experience of his own life. “Faithfulness is like an oil lamp. There are times when the flame (light) shines so brightly and then there are times when the wick is just about lit.” There are times in our lives that can be very challenging and times that are filled with joy. No matter what is happening our lamp can shine brightly or dimly.
What is most important is that we keep the lamp lit! We voiced that this particular group helps us keep our lamps lit and offers one the support when another’s lamp is getting dim. It is also a group that helps one rejoice when the lamp is burning brightly. How do you experience faithfulness and what are the experiences you have of God’s faithful love for you personally.
Take some time this week and reflect on the words ‘Faithful Love’ and search out the times that God has been faithful to you. Perhaps this part of Joyce’s poem can be helpful in your reflection time.
“…It is then that I see how Fidelity
has little to do with fine feelings
and everything to do with deep trust,
believing the one who holds me in joy
will never let go when sorrow steps in.”
Till next week,
Sister Theresita
PS God’s Faithfulness is rooted in His character, and His promises are still active in our lives today. God offers us hope, strength, and assurance.
