An American went to Scotland and played golf with a newly acquainted Scottish golfer.
After a bad tee shot, he played a "Mulligan" which was an extremely good shot.
He then asked the Scot, "What do you call a Mulligan in Scotland?"
"We call it 3." he replied tersely.
God is much more generous than the Scotsman in the above joke. The term "mulligan" is not a contraction of the phrase "maul it again", but in informal play reflects a free stroke after a badly hit ball.
God gives us many chances; mulligans, if you like. Hosea points out to us that though the people were unfaithful sinners, yet God loved them - unconditionally, mercifully. God loves us even when we are oblivious to that love: "When Israel was a child, I loved him I taught Ephraim to walk, I took them up in my arms; but they did not know that I healed them.
"I led them with cords of human kindness, with bands of love. I was to them like those who lift infants to their cheeks" (Hosea 11:1, 3-5). God does not kindle His anger against those who refuse to turn to Him: "for I am GodI will not come in wrath" (8c-9).
One of my favourite topics is God's love. And no one talks about it better than St John. Near the end of his life John kept greeting people and celebrating the Eucharist. And he kept speaking about love.
"My dear people, let us love one another since love comes from God anyone who fails to love can never have known God, because God is love" (1 John 4:7-8).
And again, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (3:16).
One way to show our love for God is to repeat often the sign of the cross. We should live our lives in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. We should go into a major surgery In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
I often follow the practise of the Greek Orthodox and Ukrainian Catholics of repeating the sign of the cross three times. It is such a great reminder of our commitment and belief, and a more deliberate act of faith.
I have a friend who greets in an enthusiastic voice and always says, "Hello! Hello!" At first I thought it redundant, but over years I have come to admire the unmistakable enthusiasm. People can miss a soft spoken "Hello". But you can't miss my friend's greeting.
Talk to God frequently. Repeat the Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Jesus wants to be close to us and speak with us. Don't be afraid to speak to Him.
The story is told of Teresa of Avila who had such a great love for the Child Jesus. One day she met a beautiful Child. He asked her, "Who are you?"
She replied, "I am Teresa of Jesus, and who are you?"
To which the Child responded, "I am Jesus of Teresa."
