If You Were for Sale, How Much Would You Cost?

During certain periods in ancient Rome almost any male slave could be purchased for two jars of raisins. For some people, the value of a human being hasn't changed much since then. Women have sold their newborn babies for a fix of cocaine. And what value is attributed to an unborn baby about to be dismembered and trashed?

God values humans a bit differently: "What is man that you ...care for him...and crown him with glory and honor?" (Ps 8:4-5). "'I have loved you,' says the Lord" (Mal 1:2). "You are precious and honored in my sight" (Is 43:4). "Though the mountains be shaken...my unfailing love for you will not be shaken" (Is 54:10). And one lovesome translation of Hosea 11:3 reads, "I caress you tenderly as one who nuzzles an infant to his cheek." If you heard God whisper these rapturous words in your ear, what price tag would you put on yourself? Remember, they are his words! 

If we could maintain a grace-prompted awareness, based on divine revelation, of our worth as humans made to "the image and glory of God" (1 Cor 11:7), would we ever have an inferiority complex? Would we ever experience depression from rejection by others? Would we ever even think of suicide? Would we ever feel lonely or worthless? Could we ever regard human existence as meaningless? No matter how routine, would life ever be boring?

When your self-esteem plummets, listen to God's love-whispers.

This excerpt is from the book One-Minute Meditations for Busy People, by John H. Hampsch, C.M.F., originally published by Servant Publications. It and other of Fr. Hampsch's books and audio/video recordings can be purchased from Claretian Teaching Ministry, 20610 Manhattan Pl, #120, Torrance, CA 90501-1863. Phone 1-310-782-6408 or www.Catholicbooks.net