The British TV station, BBC, ran a story about a couple who adopted a child, a thalidomide child. The child had no limbs, no arms, no legs; 12-years-old living in a state institution.
Len and Hazel met him, visited him in the home, then took him home for weekends, and with them on vacation. Finally, they adopted him as one of their own.
At the time of adoption the child insisted on changing his name from Andy to Terry. He realizes that he is beginning a new life, with parents that he has come to love.
On the stairs of the courthouse after the adoption papers were finally finalized, he shouts out to all who would listen: I'm adopted. I belong. It was a great day for all of them.
The Scripture says we are redeemed by His love. With all our frailties and sinfulness God has adopted us and made us his children. "Do you know that you are God's children now? See what love God has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. So indeed we are." (1 John 3:1-2).
God has adopted us in grace because of what Jesus did for us. What a wonderful, affirming, comforting, and life-giving gift. We belong. . .to God. . .and to each other.
God bless you daily,
Fr.
Somers
