We speak of “grace” in a variety of ways. For example, grace before meals; “by the grace of God I did not die in that car accident,” and the song “Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound…”
What is this amazing Grace? Grace is many faceted. In its most fundamental sense, grace is a relationship of God’s love and presence to us. It is God’s gift of His divine life to us. Grace is a free gift of himself, his presence to us. We do not earn it, do not have to work for it, or buy it. God’s presence is within us even though we have nothing to give back. It is God’s unconditional love for us despite our faults and failings.
If you are old enough you may remember the TV show Touched by an Angel. Every episode has the angel say “God loves you.” This very proclamation is the touchstone in understanding grace.
It carries the weight of all that we profess about the relationship between God and creation. We are graced by God’s self-communication to us -by God’s indwelling presence.
St. Paul in I Corinthians 15:10 says “I am what I am by the grace of God…” Paul acknowledges that he was graced by the presence of God even though he persecuted the Christians. As a result of God’s unconditional love, he was a transformed person.
In his book, Letters to Tolkien, J.B Tolkien says that in his correspondence with people, few often notice that the important element in Lord of the Rings is grace, mercy, and salvation.
He goes on to say that it is God’s grace and mercy that works with all the faults in the world.
Another facet of grace is the help God gives us when we need it the most. Grace can come when we least expect it.
Where is Grace most fundamentally encountered?
– In the surprises in life. Think of the Blessed Virgin Mary- “Hail Mary full of grace. The Lord is with you.”
– In the very stuff of our lives
– In the messiness of life
– In the joy-filled times
– In tragedy- Think of the times you weathered a tragedy. “How did I get through that?” The answer is “by the power of God’s gracious love encountered through the presence of friends and family members.”
This amazing Grace which is God’s unconditional love and presence, shared in relationship with each of us is powerful. It can change you and me, transforming us the way only love can.
Grace reveals something about us. It affirms our self-worth, enlivens us, and draws out the best in us. This relationship with God can empower us to live a more vibrant and meaningful life. Look at what Paul of Tarsus’ encounter with Grace did to him.
Pondering: Think of the times you have been Graced.
By Sister Marie A. Leonard, OSB