|
The model of love for all true discipleship is extreme, limitless; for it is Jesus Himself who lays down His life for His friends. Love is the entire theme of today's Gospel reading:
- A love that is shared intimately between the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
- A love that floods from them into the lives of those whom God has chosen as his own.
- A love that can only be reciprocated in the Disciples' loving obedience to the one commandment, 'love one another as I have loved you.'
- A love that bears fruit when disciples love one another.
God has created a reminder: humanity is that reminder of God on earth. There is an ancient Hasidic teaching (Hebrew mysticism) which says that God wanted to be in his entire creation so he shattered himself into trillions upon trillions of pieces. We are bathed in God, with God and it is our love for one another that can bring about fulfillment of God's promises for a new heaven and a new earth.
The Gospel we are sent out to proclaim is that God loves us gratuitously, and we are commanded to love in like manner. This is the only appropriate response and prayer we can give to God.
O God, Your love reaches to the heavens.
|
|
DAILY OFFERING
|
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.
|
|
PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
|
INTENTION
That allowing himself to be enlightened and guided by the Holy Spirit, every Christian may answer enthusiastically and faithfully to the universal call to sanctity.
Elaboration
|
|
