“Today the LORD is making this agreement with you: you are to be a people peculiarly his own, as he promised you”
Deuteronomy 26:18
I may have giggled reading this verse. I love reading that I am claimed by the Lord as His own, but to be peculiarly His…is humorous to me! How do you react to that word? Defensively? Do you strive so hard to be cutting edge or professional, that perhaps this is offensive? Confused? Why, perhaps, does the Lord want us to be odd? Personally, I have always considered myself a bit of an odd duck. Didn’t quite fit in. While there is pain with that (oh middle school!), there is also great comfort and solace in belonging to the Lord, and that is where I have found my home, my rest. And incredible joy as I grew into myself! But also, the Lord delights in my peculiarity. He is pleased when I am unabashed in being a bit goofy; He rejoices when I am authentically myself, who He created me to be.
Sometimes Christians are called to do things that the world views as odd. Going to Mass every Sunday–maybe even daily! Forgiving those who mock or mistreat us–and sometimes inviting them to our table. Tithing our resources to help people with less. Or sacrificing our very lives like the martyrs, like 20-year-old Servant of God Akash Bashir, who in 2015 laid down his life to a bomber, protecting 2,000 Pakistanis attending Mass.
Some folks might call Akash peculiar in a bad way. “What a waste of his life!” Yet the Christian knows the strange and peculiar love of sacrifice is precisely to which Jesus invites us.
Whatever peculiarity the Lord might be calling you to, take comfort in knowing that God has promised you are particularly and peculiarly HIS!
Jesus, I am Yours, and You are mine.
Today’s Reflection is by:
Sarah Williford
Did you know...
After 10+ years in faith formation and youth ministry, Sarah Williford’s new adventure is rocking the mom life at home with her new daughter and some side hustles. She thrives on a good cup of tea, layered harmonies, quirky comedies, Adoration, and her husband, Ryan. You can catch her at the Saint Jude Moms Group on Wednesday mornings.
