(Source from The Word Among Us)

You shall be my special possession. (Exodus 19:5)

Even before God had said these words to Moses on Mount Sinai, the Israelites must have known how special they were to him. Just three months earlier, God had miraculously delivered them from slavery in Egypt. And as they journeyed through the wilderness, he had given them manna from heaven, water from a rock, and victory in battle (Exodus 16, 17). It was abundantly clear that they were “dearer to me than all other people” (19:5).

Yet how quickly the people lost sight of this amazing truth! In a short time, they would think that the Lord had abandoned them and would make a golden calf to worship instead (Exodus 32). Still, despite their sin, God continued to be with them and guide them (34:10-11).

Through Christ, we, too, have become God’s special possession, and it’s abundantly clear just how dear we are to him. Out of love for us, he sent his only Son to suffer and die for our sins so that we could live with him forever. In love, he offers us himself as the Living Bread from heaven to strengthen us, along with the grace we need to obey his commandments.

Yet like the Israelites, we may sometimes think that God has abandoned us. That’s especially true when things go awry in our lives. But the truth is that the Lord could never forget any one of his beloved children. He has called you, the unique, unrepeatable person he created, to be in a personal, intimate relationship with him. And just as he did with the Israelites, he will continue to love you and forgive you even when you fail.

As you approach the altar at Mass today, remember that you are God’s special possession. He has chosen you. And when you receive the Eucharist, tell him that you are choosing him! As you return to your pew, try to sense his delight at spending this precious time so close to you.

“Father, may I never forget how special I am to you!”