"Beloved, we love God because He first loved us." – 1 John 4:19
The holidays are behind us - Christmas, New Year's and Epiphany are simply memories, although we may still be taking down decorations and carefully packing them away for next year. We have given and received gifts, and now we are back to the everyday, commonplace tasks of ordinary life. But, wait! Does the scripture quoted above give you pause? God loves me! Moreover, He loved me before I even knew Him! This truly is a gift and it is one which outlasts all holiday seasons.
Reading just a few lines more from today's scripture gives us our response to this love. "Whoever loves God must also love his brother." Here, then, is where the "rubber meets the road" as the saying goes. I am being asked to love even the most un-lovable, as the way to give evidence of my love for God! Here in very bold relief is the challenge which we in the Diocese of St. Petersburg have accepted: to Courageously Live the Gospel.
Here is an opportunity for a "New Year Resolution" that has real merit. Who do I find difficult to love? What can I do about it?
Loving, generous and gracious God, give me to courage to begin to love as You love. Let my heart be open to differences and help me to love You in all my brothers and sisters.
Reflection by:
Sister Marlene Weidenborner
Did you know...
Sister Marlene Weidenborner, OSF, is a member of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, NY. A religious for over 60 years, most of Sister's ministerial life has been lived out in the various dioceses of Florida. Currently Sister serves as the Vicar for Religious in the Diocese of St. Petersburg.
