Theme: God’s Immeasurable Love for
Humanity
In today’s readings, we are
challenged to reflect on God’s immeasurable love for humanity and its
implications for us. The concept “love of God” could mean either God’s love for
us or our love for God but in this period of lent, we consider God’s love for
us first because it will inspire our love for God which will also be translated
in our love for our neighbours.
In the first reading (2 Chr.
36:14-16, 19-23), the Israelites with their political and religious leaders all
rebelled against God and defiled God’s dwelling place. Out of love for them,
God constantly sent messengers to direct and teach them but their messages were
treated with scorn. God did not abandon them but kept on watching them as they
neglected His Love and wallowed in sin. Being vulnerable for being outside of
God’s love, they were attacked and taken into captivity by the Babylonians.
When they suffered and learnt their lessons, God had to intervene because of
the love He has for them by raising up a king who will proclaim their liberty,
offer them treasures and help them rebuild the Temple as we see in Ezra chapter
1.
The second reading (Eph 2:4-10), also
confirms this love of God not just for the Israelites alone but for
