It is so easy for us to make ourselves the centre of God's work! When St Paul and Barnabas heard that the people of Lycaonia were going to offer sacrifice to them, thinking that they were gods because of the miracle they had worked, they protested saying, "We are only human beings like you." The Apostles and the Christians are not superhuman, they are like everyone else ¡K but they have experienced the redemptive love of God in Jesus Christ and have their hearts turned towards God.

Do I turn to God or to idols? An idol is whatever takes the place of God. Even the best things may become idols: profession, work, leisure, health, comfort, car etc ¡K When our hearts are crowded with selfish love and things, then God can be edged out of our hearts, or as a simple woman once expressed in her own words, "God exists when I call on His name. When my lips do not move to say His name, He is no longer an experience for me."

Those who believe and love Him, listen to His teaching and know Him; but those who do not listen to Him cannot find Him. God seems to be far away from them. God does not force open the door of our hearts. He respects our freedom. Love is never imposed on anyone. Love is always a gift from the beloved.