Promise The
HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH WESTFIELD ^ NEW JERSEY
FrPeter@htgocnj.org
October 2011 ^ Volume 35, Issue 7
908-233-8533
holytrinitywestfield.org
How much does God love you?
THE REVEREND PETER DELVIZIS
H
ave you ever experienced the generosity of a rich man? Time and again at a restaurant or other venue, he pays for your meal or item. You can’t get an edge in. He simply bids you to, “put your wallet away; it’s already taken care of.” You don’t understand his motivation but you do know that his kindness is immense, and that it comes from his heart, and that he takes delight in sharing his happiness with you. As this continues, a modest person may begin to feel a bit ashamed at the excess of his kindness. Pondering on ways how to repay him, one thing becomes clear you would never think of taking advantage of his generosity or friendship. In time of war, have you ever wondered what makes the hero brave enough to save the life of his fellow soldier? The hero is always set above all others as the most honorable soldier and is held in highest esteem. His sacrifice in that moment of chaos was incredibly extraordinary. Generosity and sacrifice are signs of love. And this is how we know of God’s immeasurable love for us. God is at the same time the rich man and the hero. He is the One who richly bestows overwhelming blessings on us and also the One who offers Himself as a sacrifice. (John 3:16). By offering us generosity and sacrifice, we are assured of God’s love. If we were to contemplate God’s love for us, we certainly would become ashamed at the excess of His generosity and loving kindness. He spares nothing for us. By offering Himself as a sacrifice upon the Cross, we were given life anew. God gave everything He had, even His very own son, so that we might in turn love and honor Him. If a man submits himself to suffering and die for us, we honor him greatly. We count him as our closest
friend. We place in his hands all of our possessions because he saved our life. The debt can never be erased since we owe him everything – including our life! “But towards Christ,” as St. John Chrysostom says, “we do not preserve even this degree of right feeling. He [Jesus Christ] laid down His life for us, and poured forth His precious Blood for our sakes, who are neither good nor godly-minded. But we do not pour out even our money to Him and neglect Him who died for us when He is naked and a stranger.” [Matthew 25:36] Homily on St. John 27.3 In His customary love and mercy for us, the Lord continues to suffer for us. He views our sins and casts them away through His Blood. He gladly endures “hunger that you may be fed.” He remains halfclothed giving the material of His garment to us in an attempt to sew together a garment of incorruption. Truthfully speaking, no task is accomplished without the Lord’s blessing. Pag. 4
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