For Christ’s followers this passage starts off well. Our heavenly Parent has shown such love that we are called “children of God.” Even though the world doesn’t recognize us as such, we just have to be patient. When God is revealed, all will see.
Yet from here, I hear “wait a minute” increasingly louder. As we wait, we are to purify ourselves. This isn’t simple. Any time we sin, we break the relationship established through Christ. We no longer reflect the image of our Creator.
Being a child of God means we live in the midst of contradictions. We have seen God revealed in Christ. We have received the name “child of God” in the message of the cross and the empty tomb. Yet we still sin and fall short of God’s vision for us.
God then says, “Wait a minute.” God doesn’t give up on us, but keeps seeking to revive us through the Spirit, enabling us to reflect God’s image. Thanks be to God.
God, your children call to you. In your love, purify us. Help us to set aside that which draws us away from you, so that we might better reflect your good news for the world. Amen. — MHD