1 John 4:9
In this way the love of God was revealed to us: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might have life through him.
It's beginning to look a lot like... Valentine's! At least that's what the stores would have us think. Where there were Christmas decorations weeks ago, there are now boxes of chocolates and teddy bears that hold hearts saying "I love you." Nothing wrong with that, but it begs the question: what is love?
Love is the most precious thing we have, as John tells us in his letter today. We have just celebrated love incarnate at Christmas, and the revelation of this love to the nations at Epiphany. God is relational love and we are created in his image and likeness. So to love one another is to be fully human.
The word John uses for love each time in today's reading is the Greek "agape," which different from love seen as attraction or desire. Rather, agape is complete self-gift. God did not hold back when he sent his Son out of self-gift of his love for us. His Son held nothing back on the cross, completely pouring out his love for us in his blood.
Today, let us love one another in this sense of self-gift. Let's find one way we can completely give of ourselves, be it our time, our aid, or even a kind word, with no expectation of reward or recognition. That is true love.
Get to know our seminarians! Today's reflection was written by:
Christian Galvan, Theology II
Home parish: St. Stephen
Did you know...
I haven't seen snow in 11 years. I miss it! I love the cold!
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