+ The first reading today – once again from the 1st
Letter of St. John – written
when John was probably an old man – and with much experience living the
Christian way of life – is about the simple and true nature of such commitment
to the Person of Jesus and his new Way of life.
A simple statement like:
“Don’t say you love God, if you hate your brother(s) (and sisters). How can you
say you love God whom you have never seen if you don’t love others (all of
whom, including yourself have been loved by God first) who you can seen and
interact with?” [John sounds very practical – and a lot like our current Pope,
Francis.]
He goes on to say that if we keep God’s commandments of
loving: then we will know not only God as a Father, but everyone in the world
as our true brothers and sisters. The commandment is not burdensome: to
love others unconditionally, if we just make up our minds to try it. The most
injurious thing we can do to another is to disrespect, dishonor and disregard
their very character, their very unique life stories, their very sacred and
revered name. Backbiting and tearing one another down – in any form whatsoever
is reprehensible to God, and therefore ought to be off-limits to us.
If
we would only spend all of the waking hours of our day in being as creative in
our willingness to meet, greet and help all in our path – the arrival and
advancement of the Kingdom of God on earth would be impressive.
We with Jesus are meant to bring glad tidings to the poor; to
proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind; to set the
oppressed free. Can we afford not to accept our commission to do these
things if we choose to call ourselves “Christian?”
Lord,
every nation on earth will adore you.
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