I give you a new commandment: love one another as I have loved you.
Jn. 13:34
Jesus says it all in the Gospel Acclamation: I give you a new commandment: love one another as I have loved you. (Jn. 13:34) He is speaking about more than rituals, rites, or amassing many prayers. Jesus loved us to death. It is a challenge: to learn to love as Jesus loves -- all persons & all the time. It is indeed something we need to practice always.
In the Gospel parable (Mt. 25:14-30) we hear, "Anyone who has, more will be given." The truth is we all are gifted by God. IF we have knowledge of God & His gifts & IF we know Jesus ie. relate to Him, not just know about Him, we'll see more & more of His gifts to us. Then we can be assured of His loving Presence with us. The secret is to Focus on God, not self. As Paul says in the 1st reading (1 Thess.4:9-11) We've been taught by God to love. Following Jesus, our Teacher/Model, we can live peacefully with others & use our gifts for God ie. proclaim the Gospel Courageously in word/deed.
The teacher in me invites you:
Take time to reflect on how you have Focused on yourself--"my way, how they should do/be like me, concern over what others think of me, my job/stuff..."
Resolve to Focus more on God--How will you do that?
If you do this Homework, I promise --you will encounter Jesus & yourself in a new way.
Are you ready to take up the challenge: to practice love & Focus on God (& the others He loves--all of them)?
Jesus, you are my Teacher. You are always with me. Help me to take time & grow in awareness of our deepening relationship, so I can truly love as You love & so share Your love with others.
Bless us all, Jesus, as we follow in Your way the new commandment
Today's Reflection by:
Sr. Mary David, OSB
Did you know...
Sr. Mary David Hydro, OSB, is a Benedictine Sister of Florida. A teacher at heart, she feeds "hungers" of God's people through Retreats & Spiritual Direction; she is Oblate Director and has involvements in Peace and Justice ministries.
