approachable
"When I summon him, he shall approach Me; how else should one take the deadly risk of approaching Me? says the Lord." —Jeremiah 30:21
The Lord has frequently summoned us to approach Him. In fact, He approached us in an unthinkable way through His incarnation. He even gives Himself to us in Holy Communion. Because the Lord has given us the opportunity to become so intimate with Him, we may forget what a privilege it is to be in His presence and how awesome it is "to fall into the hands of the living God" (Heb 10:31).
We may sometimes approach the Lord to receive Communion with sin and unforgiveness in our hearts. Our Communion can then backfire on us so we become sick or even die (1 Cor 11:30). Nevertheless, this danger should not keep us from approaching the Lord in Holy Communion, but motivate us to repent of our sins, and first approach Him in the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Catechism, 1385, 1415).
The Lord loves us. He understands. He "was tempted in every way we are, yet never sinned" (Heb 4:15). He died on the cross for us. Because of His love, He is more approachable than anyone who has ever lived. He extends His crucified arms to embrace us. He whispers: "Come to Me" (Mt 11:28). But we must repent. Repent, approach, and receive His love.
Prayer: Jesus, eternal High Priest, You are "always able to save those who approach God" through You (Heb 7:25). I adore You.
Promise: You. "See! I will restore the tents of Jacob, his dwellings I will pity." —Jer 30:18
Praise: Blessed is Mary Most Holy, who lived always in the awesome presence of God, and now praises Him forever in heaven. Alleluia! Praise Jesus, Fruit of Mary's womb.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our leaflet, Hearing God, or our audio AV 45-1 or video V-45.)
Rescript: †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 25, 2008
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