Reflection: "Behold, I make all things new."

Leaves of water lilies can be seen on ponds, streams and lakes in the warmth of the springtime. First, the leaves emerge and then they open up to become lily pads. They float along the water drinking in the sunlight. They become most beautiful as their flowers blossom in a variety of colors. They become a vital habitat and a hiding place for frogs providing protection for them from predators such as fish and water snakes. They also attract turtles, dragonflies and beetles. Snails and beetles also make their homes on the underside of the lily pads. In the summer, the lily pads provide cool places for fish and other underwater species.

Water lilies also have their own dark side. They may grow excessively overcrowding and choking out other animals. Sometimes they grow, with such density, that the water can become stagnant and the survival of some animals is threatened.

In His Goodness, God sent His Son Jesus to redeem us. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son so that everyone who believes in Him might not perish  but might have eternal life." John 3:16 

Jesus came into the world that we may have eternal life. He knows we are all sinners and He loves us so much. He gave us the way to eternal life through the sacraments.

I was thinking the water lilies and the verse,

"Behold, I make all things new."

I heard a loud voice from the Throne saying, "Behold, God's dwelling is with the human race. He will dwell with them and they will be His people and God Himself will always be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, for the old order has passed away." The One who sat on the Throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." Revelation 21:3-5

These words from the Book of Revelation are so reassuring. God's dwelling is with us and we belong to Him. God will always be with us. What comforting words to hear! When we experience a loss or a suffering of any kind, God is with us. He wipes away our tears and consoles our broken hearts.

Jesus gave us the Sacrament of Reconciliation to make all things new. When we sin, we turn away from Him, He is always looking for us and calling us back. He rejoices when we turn back to Him. Think about the dark side of the water lilies that can choke out new life. That is what sin does to our souls. Sin darkens our hearts and separates us from God. When we turn to Jesus, through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we receive forgiveness of our sins and God showers us with sanctifying grace. God makes all things new in us and we become like the beauty of the flower blossom on the lily pad.

How do we let God make all thing new in us?
Go to confession. Run to confession. Jesus Himself is waiting there for you. Jesus told Saint Faustina to bring all her miseries to this Throne of grace. There, you will receive healing and forgiveness. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is where grace and mercy meet. 

If you have not been to confession in a while, don't worry. Ask Our Lady to go with you. The priest will help you, if you don't know what to do. Jesus extends His hand to you...Come...He is waiting to take out the knots of sin that are choking your soul. You are God's beloved child and He wants to lavish you with His unconditional love. He will wipe away your tears and transform you into a beautiful water lily.

"Remember not the events of the past, the things of long ago, consider not; See, I am doing something new." Isaiah 43:18-19