LOVE SAVES

 

LOVE SAVES        

Jesus was asked which is the greatest of the commandments. The context was, since the time of the Ten Commandments, many other laws were created to make them relevant to particular situations. Jesus, in order to show that all commandments were important, summarized them into two: love of God and love of neighbor.

Love here is not the romantic kind or fascination for somebody. It is a decision to be faithful, patient, kind, forgiving, caring, and all other life-giving and Gospel values toward God and others. It is offering one’s whole self to God—heart, strength, soul, and mind. It is what Saint Ignatius meant in his prayer, “Take and receive, O Lord, my liberty, memory, will, and mind.” We claim nothing anymore for ourselves. We put ourselves in God’s care.

Thus, what is great for God is when we are concerned for others and have a good relationship with Him. But it must be clear that while our love is directed to both God and neighbor, our love for God is the anchor. It is the very basis of our love for neighbor. Unless we establish our love of God, love of neighbor is futile. We find reason to love others by our love of God. But love of God is foundational. When we love God, love of neighbor becomes a lifetime apostolate. But without that love of God, loving our neighbor has limits and can be tiring and frustrating.

Finally, this love is salvific. There is no other reason or purpose for this kind of love. It is not only meant to fulfill our wants and needs on earth. It is to fulfill our true destiny, which is the fullness of life with God in eternity.

When we love, we see God. When we love, we seek eternal life with God. God is love. Fr. Benny Tuazon

---------- REFLECTION QUESTION -----------

How has your love for God translated into love of neighbor?

I love You, Lord, and I need You. Amen.