A reflection by our Abbess, Mother Maria-Michael Newe, OSB
The reading from Zephaniah we have in the Office of Readings on the 21st Monday in Ordinary Time is such a delight. It reminds me of the spirit of Advent, that Christ has come and given us everything, and given us the ability to stand before God as beloved children. He comes to say, “You are loved…” It is a reality that can’t be denied. You should know how greatly you are loved.
Mosaic: Source Unknown
The Lord spoke through Zephaniah saying, “Shout for joy, daughter Zion! Sing joyfully, Israel! Be glad and exult with all your heart, daughter Jerusalem! The LORD has removed the judgment against you, he has turned away your enemies; The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst, you have no further misfortune to fear. On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem: Do not fear, Zion, do not be discouraged! The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior, Who will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love, Who will sing joyfully because of you, as on festival days. I will remove disaster from among you, so that no one may recount your disgrace” (Zep. 3:14-18).
When you walk into the Chapel, I hope you think of that. He’s singing for joy when you walk in. He’s the one rejoicing over you, and renewing you in His love. That should make you smile. Believe in His love—It should make us run with all our hearts to God, who really does delight in us. He looks on us with so much love.
If you’ve ever wanted somebody to look at you as if they had stopped with their mouth open…That’s God looking at you. That’s how He sees you. He stops and just stares with love. That’s how we should see God. Do we return that love? Do we look with love? Do we sing with joy for Him? That’s what we’re here to do. Who could want more?
Oh that the angels and saints in heaven would be able to say to the Lord of us,
“You should see they way they look at You…”