LOVE IS THE ANSWER
It
is stating the obvious, and probably a cliché as well, to say that love
is the answer to the world’s problems. However, despite this, it is
still the truth. Jesus calls all who follow Him to recognize that the
most fundamental expression of our faith is the call to love one
another. If we fail in this, we fail to be faithful to the Gospel as He
proclaims it. This is the challenge that stands before us every day of
our lives.
Love is not an easy thing to grasp today as we use the word in so many
different contexts that it is difficult to focus on its truest meaning,
which is an unconditional commitment to the other person, always seeking
his best interest but never demanding a response. As sinful human
beings, we often focus on ourselves rather than the other person. Love
has a significant component of trust attached to it — that if I give
myself unconditionally to others, I trust that they will respond
likewise with me. This isn’t often the case, as sin takes over and we
hoard love rather than allowing ourselves to be channels and sharers of
love with
others.
As we continue to reflect upon the message of Easter and as we
celebrate the Feast of St. Matthias, the one who replaced Judas, let us
renew our commitment to love selflessly. Christianity does not hold a
mortgage on the idea of selfless love but, in my opinion, it does have a
far greater consistent witness than any other faith expression. The
sheer number of martyrs in the Church is a testimony to this.
This is not to say that Christians and the Church have always been the
best possible witness to selfless love. There are many examples of sin
that directly contradict this message. However, such examples are
relatively rare when taken in the context of the whole. Nevertheless, we
must continue to strive, both as individuals and the Church, to root
out all contrary witnesses to love and refocus our lives on the
imitation of Jesus, who came to give His life — in love — as a ransom
for us sinners. Fr. Steve Tynan, MGL
REFLECTION
QUESTIONS: Are you aware of the ways in which you both succeed and fail
in bearing witness to love in the world? How can you love more
faithfully?
Jesus,
help me to receive the love that You are offering me each day and,
thus, allow it to transform my life and enable me to love others better.
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