I think this must be the Catholic version of OSAS:
My husband and I were washing windows. He hates ladders. He does, for no good reason that I know of, love me. So, when I go up the ladder, he is the most dedicated ladder holder I could ever wish for. No matter how precarious that ladder is sitting or shifting, he holds it firmly so I will be safe.
Anyway, we were washing windows and I needed to reach this window high above the door that we needed and extension ladder to reach. I always hate the way the extension ladder tries to slide on hardwood flooring in the foyer. My ever faithful, always dependable ladder holder was talking and holding the ladder as I climbed up. I reached the 6 foot level when I stepped on what I thought was the extension ladder rope. My husband sucked in his breath really sharply. I looked down at him. His face was turning all red.
"You are standing on my hand." he said very matter-of-factly.
"Oh!" and I looked and sure enough what I thought was the rope under my foot was his finger. I moved my foot and he continued to hold the ladder. He never let go to shake out his hand until I was safely back on the ground again. Then he resumed holding so I could reclimb.
That handstand, as he called it for the rest of the day, made me think about how great is the love that even when you hurt someone they do not let go. Jesus loves each of us so much that even through the agony of the cross He did not let go of us. He held on and suffered and died so that we would be redeemed. Each time we turn away from Him in sin, He holds onto us calling us back until we are on solid ground again.
It is not OSAS. It is OLAL: Once loved, always loved. All we have to do after the handstand is trust Him to hold us and forgive us and return us to solid ground again. Jesus Christ loves us so much that even when we hurt Him, He will not desert us. Once loved, always loved -- are we that faithful to Him?
____________________ Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
