Acts 10, 25-48; Psalm 98; 1 John 4, 7-10; John 15, 9-15
By + Guy Sansaricq
The commandment of love resonates from every page of the Scriptures. Some may be annoyed by this persistence as they view love as a sentimental feeling between two people of opposite sex, something therefore insignificant that has no impact on the larger society. But Jesus in today’s reading provides a better description. “Love,” he says, is that sentiment that motivates a person to lay down his life for the sake of his friend.
Love is therefore sacrificial!
It’s because of his love for us that Jesus assumed a human nature, persisted in his pursuit in spite of the torments inflicted upon him and his cruel death sentence. He loved us to the end giving us an example we are called to follow.
In the history of the Church millions of martyrs, of missionaries and of simple people like Mother Theresa, St Francis and millions of lesser known Christians have been inflamed by their love for Christ and the poor. They have fought for justice, equality, service to the poor to the point of shedding their blood.
Don’t hesitate! Join their ranks! In our world frequently marred by violence, prejudice, hatred, jealousy, wars, oppression, Jesus calls us to be unconditional witnesses of forgiveness, compassion, brotherhood and peace. Respond wholeheartedly to his call! Fall in love with him and let him transform you by his GRACE and then be a WITNESS of that passionate LOVE THAT alone can save the world.