Nougat 5

Sometimes we find ourselves in spaces where we overhear a conversation (text, call, email etc) and we recognize the person on the other side. How do we react, and why? What lessons are to be found in such? These and a note of challenge are ours in today’s Holy Nougat

“Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet our faithful friends. ⌞God’s⌟ good will be with all of you.” Titus‬ ‭3:15‬ ‭GW‬‬

Paul’s openness to Titus, or about Titus, speaks volumes. In some of the letters to the various churches, we hear of the lack of support Paul had from the saints; and that confirms that then, like now, some saints are preoccupied with other life concerns.

Titus, it seems, knew (of) and was known by Paul’s colleagues and disciples. While it may be mere politeness, one may infer that the greetings were sent fondly and with integrity.

This begs the reflection on our own lives – whether we send greetings, words “‬‬ of encouragement or support to other saints. And, when we do give ‘charitably’, are we committed to maintain relationships beyond fiscal accountability? I’m still working on maintaining some of the relationships.

There is of course, the obvious – would others happily (freely) send regards and greetings our way upon hearing our names? I suspect it may depend on who is doing the talking. Further, I know that some of us share treasures in secret and so our deeds are not always known.

Ultimately, whether or not we engage in secret deeds of kindness, the lived testimony of our Faith is evidenced through relationships. Our relationship with self, with God and in turn, with each other.

When we love ourselves we are best able to receive and share love from others positively. In receiving and attempting to reciprocate God’s love, we find ourselves more open to love even to those who challenge our desire to love.

Remember… whether we’re conscious of it or not, we each have been loved when our actions suggested otherwise. That’s the ‘good will’ offered in the nougat. God’s grace sees/saw beyond our now/then to Who God has called us to be.

Thanks be to God for such blessed grace!

—

May all we seek be found in Christ