The Ones Who Do Not Deserve It: Our natural tendency in life is to question why we did not get something that another did, and consequently, to judge why we deserve it more than others. In the Gospel today Jesus talks about the ones who “don’t deserve it” getting something:
“there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah…It was to none of these that Elijah was sent, but only to a widow in Zarephath…Again, there were many lepers in Israel during the time of Elisha the prophet; yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.” (Lk. 4:25-27)
For a person of Jesus’s time, one of the Children of Israel, Our Lord’s words triggered this exact response. It would only be just that Our God choose His own people over others! Yet, in both instances Jesus highlights, God chooses a foreigner, someone who does not seem to deserve it.
None of Us Deserve It
This begs the question: who does deserve it? What is the basis of measuring who does or does not deserve? When it comes to gifts and graces from God and worthiness to receive them, we all fall short. Who is worthy of His gift? Who is worthy of His love? None of us. In reality, we are all equally unworthy.
He Freely Gives Anyway
Thankfully, it is not about that for God. He gives His love and grace freely to all, and it is more than just food or physical healing. The ultimate gift He offers is eternal life! There is so much hope in this!
As it is His free gift, He determines how, what and when we receive it. What is up to us is what we will do with it. Some of us will receive it and welcome it. Others will reject it. May our hearts be open to receive it!
