Day Thirty-Three
Colossians 3:12-15
As the chosen of God, then, the holy people whom he loves, you are to be clothed in heartfelt compassion, in generosity and humility, and gentleness and patience. Bear with one another; forgive each other if one of you has a complaint against another. The Lord has forgiven you; now you must do the same. Over all these clothes, put on love, the perfect bond.
Reflection
The most basic purpose for clothing is protection from the elements, to prevent us from becoming too cold. It also preserves our modesty. Another purpose it to identify a role we play in the world, e.g., a fireman, police officer, mail carrier, priest, rabbi, etc. God's best piece of clothing for us is love, for it binds all the other virtues, which are also garments, together.
All Christians are to be clothed in love. Missionaries of merciful love are called in particular to always focus on love: We are to seek out opportunities to show God's love by actions, words and by prayer. These are the three degrees of mercy that Jesus taught to St. Faustina. The highest degree of mercy we can practice is that of actions, or deeds. What deed of love can you do today that will make a positive difference in someone's life today?
Prayer
Merciful God, praise and thanks be to your holy Name! Thank you for calling me to be a missionary of merciful love. Help me to always do your will, which is love, no matter what trials I face. Nothing shall stop me from doing your will.
Amen.
