Grace is God’s love in action. It is a gift simply because we are. We do not have to earn it or prove we deserve it. It comes with being part of creation. It may surprise us and cause us to feel blessed and grateful. Sometimes we feel “saved,” since it can prevent us from having to experience the worst results from the causes we have set into motion. In that sense, it can be a type of redemption.
A story that conveys redemption through the power of grace is “Les Miserables.” You may have read the book, seen the movie or the play. I was fortunate to see it on Broadway, my one time in New York City. To summarize: John Paul stole a loaf of bread to feed his starving family and was sent to prison for 20 years, where he became a hardened criminal. He escaped one night and found his way to the house of a priest where he was given shelter for the night.
He stole some of the priest’s silverware and candlesticks and fled. But the authorities picked him up and returned him to the home of the priest.
The priest told the authorities to let him go, saying that he had given the silver to John Paul as a gift. The police left and John Paul was stunned since he had not experienced such kindness for many years.
The priest looked deep into his eyes and said, “Make something of your life. Take this gift and return it by showing others the same kindness that I have shown to you.”
And with that, John Paul’s life is completely transformed through the power of grace. He still has to deal with the effects of causes previously set into motion, but grace and love prevail.
Pay attention to the signs and synchronicity in your life. They are all part of grace, giving us calls to wake up and notice the love that is all around us. We are one, blessed by the Universe continuously and abundantly. Thank you, Loving Spirit, for amazing grace!
Love & blessings,
Rev. Kathy