TRUE LOVE FOR THE ETERNAL FATHER

Divine Appeal Reflection - 156

Today, consider in Divine Appeal 156:  "You must put into practice what I have told you. Do it out of love for My Eternal Father."

By our Adorable Jesus, we are reminded that behind every action, there must be the love of the Eternal Father. That love, too, expresses the Trinitarian relationship at the depth of our faith, that is, the Son's perfect obedience and love in being united to the Father eternally. The mission on earth which Jesus completed was to show the Father's infinite love and to glorify Him by all His words and deeds. He did not come, therefore, to accomplish his own will, but to do the will of him who sent him (cf. John 6:38). His life was all in all a testament of love for the Father, most splendidly manifested in his Passion and death. Not only for him, but this call goes to all Christians, who are asked to imitate His steps and participate in that divine connection with the Father.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) profoundly teaches that Jesus' earthly mission was entirely anchored in His loving obedience to the will of the Father, reaching its zenith in the sacrifice of the Cross (cf. CCC 606). This obedience was not born of compulsion but flowed freely from His infinite love—a selfless offering made for the redemption of humanity and the glorification of the Father. By His perfect example, our Adorable Jesus reveals that authentic love for the Father necessitates complete surrender and unwavering trust.

It is not sufficient to engage in external acts of charity or devotion; such works must spring from a heart ablaze with divine love. Jesus Himself declares the greatest commandment: to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and mind (cf. Matthew 22:37). This all-encompassing love must imbue every aspect of our daily lives, sanctifying even the smallest tasks and transforming them into acts of profound worship. Let us, therefore, strive to imitate our Lord, offering ourselves wholly to the Father with hearts consumed by love.

Living out of love for the Eternal divine Father is to live within the divine life by partaking in the community of Holy Trinity. To live under the imitation of Jesus is to partake in that life, which is a continual exchange of love between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. St. Paul has written: In Christ, however, we have been given the adoption 'among God's children', and we can call him 'Abba', 'Father' (cf. Romans 8:15). This strong tie invites us into a higher comprehension about our identity and mission as children of God. The Father is glorified and brings us nearer to Himself through every action of love, prayer, and obedience we give Him. This union is deepened in the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, where we join our imperfect love to the perfect offering of our Adorable Jesus for the Father.

Finally, practical ways to manifest love for the Eternal Father include a life of surrender, obedience, and gratitude. Begin each day by consecrating all your actions, joys, and sufferings to Him, offering them as an act of love. Obedience to His commandments and the teachings of the Church reflects our trust in His wisdom and care. Furthermore, spending time in prayer, particularly in Eucharistic Adoration, allows us to commune with our Adorable Jesus, who leads us to the Father. Living a life of gratitude for His countless blessings is another way to glorify Him, as gratitude opens our hearts to recognize His providential care. As we strive to live this way, we fulfill Jesus' call to put into practice what He has taught us and to do so out of love for the Eternal Father, who desires our hearts above all things.

Prayer

Our Adorable Jesus, guide us to live in perfect love and obedience to the Eternal Father. Teach us to glorify Him in every action and to surrender fully to His divine will. May Your example inspire us to love selflessly, bringing souls to His embrace through our words and deeds.

Sr. Anna Ali of the Most Holy Eucharist, intercede for us.