think of the love

Now here is a great motivation and inspiration for prayer, directly from the first reading of today's Mass.

"Think of the love that the Father has lavished on us, by letting us be called God's children."   1 John 3:1

Take a break to remain with this single verse.  Set a few moments to do nothing but think of the love that God has lavished on you, by letting you be called a 'child of God'.

The rest of the readings of Mass and the Office of Readings from the Prayer of the Church for today help to deepen our appreciation of this deep and personal love.

"You are God’s chosen race, his saints; he loves you, and you should be clothed in sincere compassion, in kindness and humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with one another; forgive each other as soon as a quarrel begins. The Lord has forgiven you; now you must do the same. Over all these clothes, to keep them together and complete them, put on love. And may the peace of Christ reign in your hearts, because it is for this that you were called together as parts of one body. Always be thankful.

"Let the message of Christ, in all its richness, find a home with you. Teach each other, and advise each other, in all wisdom. With gratitude in your hearts sing psalms and hymns and inspired songs to God.     
Colossans 3 (Scripture reading from Office of Readings for 3 January 2012)

You might like to set some time today to pray with this thought.  Don't use energy, perhaps escape the family, the phone, (and please God, the earthquakes) for a few moments to sit under a tree with a cuppa. Simply relax, and "think of the love..."