Desire, Depend, and Delight in God's Grace

God's Grace, a gift not earned nor deserved. Like a birthday gift; we didn't actually "earn" to be born in this world to merit a gift every year. Nor did we have to "deserve" being born; we simply came to be by the miracle of pro-creation. Grace "depends entirely on God's gratuitous initiative, for he alone can reveal and give himself." (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1998) Grace though, to be received as a gift, we have to be there -- and not be lost in our sinfulness. We have to be "present for the present (gift)". That is why repentance---by the inner prompting of the Holy Spirit--- is the first step to once again be available for His grace; having that faith in Jesus, that through the power of the Holy Spirit, we will be sustained and strengthened.  We humbly ask for this free gift, so we become true followers of Jesus -- desiring, depending, and delighting on His grace that enables and ennobles.

Therefore, first, desire Grace. Do we want to receive it? Are we too proud that we can go through life on our own without grace?  Our desire for Grace is manifested in our actions.  Going to Mass and confession as often as we can shows our desire.

Second, depend on Grace. It is not that we do not work at all and just wait for good things to happen. Depending on grace is acknowledging that our all our efforts and successes are there because God gave it -- He blessed it, and will continue blessing.  By his grace we achieve; we are able to serve; we endure suffering; we are able to provide for ourselves and for others. "Grace is favor, the free and undeserved help that God gives us to respond to his call to become children of God...". (CCC 1996) By depending on grace, we are sanctified -- made holy, and therefore strong.

Lastly, delight in Grace. There is true happiness in the realization of grace for "Grace is a participation in the life of God (CCC 1997)."  We delight in God, in His grace.  Happiness, which eludes many of us, can only be attained by His Grace. For "the grace of the Holy Spirit has the power to justify us, that is, to cleanse us from our sins and to communicate to us "the righteousness of God...". (CCC 1987) It is when we are truly free from the enslavement of sin and when we are  living in his righteousness can we experience indescribable joy!

May we be like Mary---who is full of Grace---ever desiring, depending, and delighting in God! 

1. Am I responding to the grace of the Holy Spirit within me that prods for repentance?

2. Is living in the Grace of God something I desire?