“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17)
I have been invited through retreat and reflection days to imagine that God is saying this to me: “You are my beloved daughter with whom I am well pleased.” Admittedly, it is difficult for me to imagine this and reflect on “How am I pleasing to you, God?” Is it when I spend time exclusively with you? When I give you the first fruits of the day? When I am kind to your people? When I do my very best to be a good friend, a great Mom, and a loving wife? When am I a good steward of my gifts of time, treasure, and talent? When I do the corporal works of mercy? Or does it have nothing to do with my “doing.”? Do I please you because I am? Do I please you because I am a creation of Yours in Your image?
I don’t know the answers to my questions, and I may never know who I might be, or what I might do that pleases God. But this reflection has led me to let go of the questions and just listen to the voice of the Holy One saying, “You are my beloved daughter with whom I am well pleased.” I just receive the gift and become present to the Giver and soak in what I have the capacity to receive.
Today’s sacred scripture seems like an invitation to be open to receive these words and engage with the Giver.
Kathy Kemler
I was blessed to serve as the Director of the Creighton University Retreat Center until my retirement in 2025. It was such a gift to see all the graces that flow through the nature-filled space. After a first career in human resources, I attended the Creighton Christian Spirituality Program and received Maasters in Christian Spirituality and a Spiritual Direction Certificate which eventually led me to my work at the Retreat Center in 2021. In retirement, I enjoy continuing my spiritual direction ministry as I accompany others on their spiritual journey and have the honor of hearing how God is working in others’ lives.
I am grateful to participate in the Online Ministries reflections as the Living Word continues to speak directly into my life and others’ lives who seek God’s love, care and wisdom.
