For the week ending on Sunday, November 4, 2012
Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jesus said to his disciples:
“As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love.
If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love,
just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.”
John 15: 9-10
We are commanded to love God above all things and then love one another as ourselves. Many of us desire to love one another through service, prayer, attention, kindness, emotional understanding and even financial support. After much giving of love, we are often worn out; exhausted and depleted of patience, compassion and energy. Sometimes we become resentful and frustrated when the other does not appreciate all the love we are pouring out for them. Can’t they see how much we love them! If we read the scripture carefully, we are to love others as we love ourselves. How do we love ourselves? When flying, we are commanded to put our oxygen mask on FIRST before we assist our children or neighbor. God commands us to seek God first before we assist others. We must be open and receptive of God’s love of us, experience it in the flesh through prayer, reflection, nourishment, scripture and alone time with the Lord. When we constantly seek to love God first and follow the commandments, we are truly loving ourselves and can only then offer that same God love to others. The only way we can fully love another is if we allow God to fully love us. Jesus reminds us that the love expressed between God and our self gives us the presence to love others fully. Let us put on the oxygen mask of God’s love first so that we can be of service and love to others.
Reflection Question: Am I too busy loving everyone else at the expense of my own need to receive and express love between God and my self?
Dear Jesus, help me to seek you first, remain in your love and then allow you to guide me to love and care for others. Amen
Dear Friends, I would love to hear how you are experiencing God’s love for you.
Answered Prayers and Favor’s Granted:
Dear Jesus, Thank you the gift of a supportive, loving family that prays for each other.
Dear Jesus, thank you for being with me in the hospital.