134. The tasty fruit of conversion
Paul reveals how to recognize the grace of God in people who are experiencing hardships:
“In a severe test of affliction, the abundance of their joy and their profound poverty overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.” 2 Corinthians, chapter 8, verse 2
We note that Paul did not say that God subjected them to “a severe test of affliction”, but that they were “in a severe test of affliction”. This “severe test of affliction” comes from them or other people, not from God.
This affliction is “testing” them. And there are trials in life. What characterizes the grace of God in these people is that “the abundance of their joy and their profound poverty overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part”.
Of course it’s not easy. But, in spite of the trials and sufferings, Paul experiences God’s grace simply because of the abundance of the joy, the extreme poverty which characterizes them and which overflows “in a wealth of generosity”.
They knew how to ignore their trials and let God’s grace pass through them. This allows these people to let their distress turn into a tasty fruit of conversion. They need grace to not put their suffering back on others or on God. Grace transforms their way of life. This last passage is to be meditated often. It is quite impressive that by the grace of God we can increase joy, even during trial and suffering.
It’s now impossible not to turn to Mary, the Mother of Jesus, and see in her, who lived in the midst of a time of trial, a life filled with a joyful and Immaculate Heart. She who let radiate the grace of God in her and whose radiance she received passes through all ages. (Magnificat, Luke, chapter 1, verses 45-55)
“The Love of God was revealed to us,” 1 John, chapter 4, verse 9
also by the “yes” of Mary. This is what we are also invited to do. To receive, then radiate the grace of God. God’s Love is manifested in shared love, in peace, joy, hope, prayer, etc.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: … for Love, Normand Thomas
Normandt' Bible reflexions
Re: Normandt' Bible reflexions
135. These fruits are to share
James tells us:
“Everyone should be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath, for the wrath of a man does not accomplish the righteousness of God.” James, chapter 1, verses 19 to 20
One of the practices that help us become better, through a life of faith in motion, is to slow down. Slowing down isn’t necessarily laziness. Being slow to talk or get angry, for example, allows us to be more vigilant to the internal movement of our lives. Often, what is done in a hurry doesn’t yield much result except in necessity and urgency.
It’s an invitation to change lanes:
“Therefore, put away all filth and evil excess and humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you and is able to save your souls.” James, chapter 1, verse 21
God’s Word saves. Let’s welcome the words of wisdom for the well-being of our body and soul:
The one who peers into the perfect law of freedom and perseveres, and is not a hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, such a one shall be blessed in what he does. James, chapter 1, verse 25
It’s never a waste of time to welcome God and his Word, the Verb, into our lives. Let’s practise everything God teaches us. We will reap the benefits. These fruits are to share.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: … for Love, Normand Thomas
James tells us:
“Everyone should be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath, for the wrath of a man does not accomplish the righteousness of God.” James, chapter 1, verses 19 to 20
One of the practices that help us become better, through a life of faith in motion, is to slow down. Slowing down isn’t necessarily laziness. Being slow to talk or get angry, for example, allows us to be more vigilant to the internal movement of our lives. Often, what is done in a hurry doesn’t yield much result except in necessity and urgency.
It’s an invitation to change lanes:
“Therefore, put away all filth and evil excess and humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you and is able to save your souls.” James, chapter 1, verse 21
God’s Word saves. Let’s welcome the words of wisdom for the well-being of our body and soul:
The one who peers into the perfect law of freedom and perseveres, and is not a hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, such a one shall be blessed in what he does. James, chapter 1, verse 25
It’s never a waste of time to welcome God and his Word, the Verb, into our lives. Let’s practise everything God teaches us. We will reap the benefits. These fruits are to share.
The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: … for Love, Normand Thomas