FROM THE SERVANT GENERAL
OUR THEME FOR 2024
(Part 8)
CRY OUT “ABBA, FATHER!”
January 1, 2024
Today’s reading: Galatians 4:4-7
We are now living in the fullness of time. In fact, we are in the end times, though we do not know when the end will come, as in the Lord a day is like a thousand years and a thousand years like a day, but we need to read the signs of the times. As Jesus talked of the signs of the end, we are already experiencing those signs. And as Mama Mary has revealed through prophets and apparitions, the evil one will infiltrate the Church at the highest levels. This is already happening.
Paul says, “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to ransom those under the law, so that we might receive adoption.” (v.4-5). God has already done His part for our salvation. Yesterday God sent His Son Jesus, born of Mary. Today Jesus works in our lives to ransom us from the bondage of sin and death. And looking to forever, we will experience the fullness of adoption, as we are reunited with our Father in heaven.
“So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.” (v.7). Yesterday we were slaves, to sin and to the power of the evil one. Today we are a child of God, if only we will allow God to guide and chart our lives. And we are heirs, looking forward to forever, when we fully inherit the Kingdom of God in heaven. From a slave to a child of God to an heir, this is the work of Jesus who is the same yesterday, today and forever.
How are we assured by God of all this? “As proof that you are children, God sent the spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying out, ‘Abba, Father!’” (v.6). God is always at work, in the lives of all whom He has created, to bring to full circle His plan for them. Thus in the beginning there was God, the Creator. Then God sent His own Son Jesus to suffer and die for us. Then Jesus sent his Spirit to guide and strengthen us. From yesterday, to today, to forever, the Triune God is at work, always the same in His love and plan.
How can we remain assured of all this? God has done what He needed to do. Now it is our turn. How God’s plan in our lives turns out depends on us. The fullness of God’s grace is always available. It is up to us to receive and embrace such grace. We must repent of our sin of yesteryears. We must every day cry out, “Abba, Father!” And we must fully trust in God’s plan, looking forward to our final destiny to be in heaven forever.
