Verse 21 of chapter 2 of the Book of Hosea, "I will betroth you to me for ever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in tenderness and mercy" prompted the creation of this Icon with the passage in the Gospel which shows John laying his head on the heart of Christ (John 13:23-25 ).
""Now one of them was lying on Jesus' bosom; he was the one whom Jesus loved... The disciple, having bent over Jesus' bosom..."
The Word: "I will betroth you to me in tenderness and mercy" is addressed to everyone. God has no measure, otherwise he would be limited; but God has no limits, and therefore his Love is infinite, without measure. The measures are on our side. We are the ones who are conscious whether or not we are loved by God.
John was called "the disciple whom Jesus loved" because he, John, had realised that he was very much loved by God, loved without measure.
It is up to us to believe in this infinite Love of God for us, a Love that reveals itself as Tenderness and Mercy, Love and Forgiveness, the gift above all Gift.
"If you only knew the Gift of God..."
Sister Marie-Paul
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