By Jonathan Camiolo –
I was over a friend’s house this past weekend, and when I arrived, there was dog that came to say “hello” and lick me. I did not recognize this dog so I asked who it was. My friends explained that they had adopted this dog recently from the pound. It made me very happy to think of the love being shared with this adopted puppy. We are all looking for love. This dog seemed so happy and content. He knew he was loved by my friends and loved having fun. He brought a lot of love and smiles too.
This is an animal adoption, but even more beautiful is the adoption of a child. I have friends that have had the privilege of adopting and, God-willing, it would be wonderful to adopt a child someday. So many people wish they could adopt, but it is not easy. More people should make that choice. Adoption is the action of taking a person into one’s family, one who was not a part of the family, and treating him or her like he or she is a true member born into the family. The privileges of a natural-born child are bestowed upon this adopted member of the family. Adoption is beautiful on all levels. Being a part of a family is a blessing. We are all meant to belong to a family – our immediate family, our parish family, maybe a school community, and God’s family.
We are all adopted children of God. The second reading from Romans 8 says, “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a Spirit of adoption, through whom we cry, “Abba, Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if only we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.”
Jesus is the only begotten Son of God. The rest of us are adopted children of God through our baptism and through the power of the Holy Spirit; the same Holy Spirit that came on Pentecost. We have been given all of the privileges and rights as members of God’s family. We are heirs to all that He has – set to inherit the Kingdom of God. All that is God’s is ours through our adoption as His sons and daughters. Our whole lives are made new; the old is gone, and we are new creations. If we really understood and believed that, we would not worry so much.
Jesus knew that we would worry and need help, so He promised us the presence, power, help and guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is with the children of God at all times. The Gospel from John 14, verses 15-16 say, “Jesus said to his disciples: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always.”
Let’s thank God for making us His adopted children, sharing with us the privileges and inheritance that comes with that. We belong to Him and He has given us the amazing gift of the Holy Spirit to be with us every day. Come Holy Spirit! Help us understand each day how loved we are by God and what it means to be His adopted sons and daughters.
***NOTE: Pentecost is the birthday of the Church. You and I are the Church, the Body of Christ. Happy Birthday!
