I began with Deuteronomy 7: 7ff., and through this passage my Father spoke to me further of our covenant. He taught me that it exists not because of any great love I have for Him, because that love is just beginning. It is a very small thing compared to His love for me. It is because of His love that it exists. Several times while reading this passage, I was reminded of people or situations that I know of, and I felt led to ask my Father’s blessing on them. This I did.

My Father led me on to Ephesians 3: 14 - 21. Here I paused and lingered over verse 19 - “…experience this love which surpasses all knowledge, so that you may attain to the fullness of God Himself.” This brought back the imagery of a few days ago of the golden cloak, and walking into the brilliant light. That is the goal, the fulfillment of the covenant, and something to savor.

1 John 4: 8 carried the thought further. God is love; if I am to one day reach union with Him (1), I must become a totally loving, selfless person. Isaiah 43: 4 completed the idea. My Father loves me, and through His love, I can achieve the union He desires with me. The time went rather fast.

(1) Spiritual director: Do you want this?

Response in letter of March 18, 1986: Do I want to one day reach union with God? Yes!! I want to be a saint. I don’t care whether I ever get canonized; I just want to be with Him. I know I have a long way to go yet, but I’m willing to learn and do what I must.