The First Proclamation Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins.
Prayerful Awareness The theme in this scripture passage is LOVE. This perhaps is the most abused word today. In the Greek language, there are three distinct words corresponding to the word Love: Agape, Philios and Eros. The “Love” that the evangelist speaks of is Agape Love, the self giving love. It is distinct from Philios and Eros, which involve feelings, emotions and gratifications, which satisfy the self. “God is Love” (vs. 8) and “He loved us and sent His Son as expiation for our sins.” (vs. 10). God, in His Second Person, gave Himself up, suffered and died on the cross, in order to pay the penalty for the sins of all mankind, for all time. He did so, because man was not capable of saving himself from the consequences of sin. God loved man by sacrificing Himself on the cross, when man was still antagonistic towards Him, having sinned against God. God’s act of love, was not directed for self fulfillment, or self interest, but rather for man’s fulfillment and benefit. It is other centered and not self centered.
Gaze on Jesus Having set the example Himself, Jesus tells His disciples, “Love, as I have loved you.” Therefore, let us gaze at Jesus, and observe His acts, from the time He was reigning in glory with His heavenly Father, as the Second Person in the God Head, to His coming down to earth to take the form of man and then to His resurrected life and see how He loved man. For Jesus said, “Come, follow me.” Yes, let us love, the way Jesus did. St. Paul, enlightened by the Holy Spirit, has given us the practical aspects of this Agape Love, in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, which we can put into operation in our daily life situations.
Our sonship Let us also note, that the “Love” that Jesus advocates is counter to what is projected as “Love” by the world, especially through the mass media, and what goes as “Love” in today’s society. This so called “ Love” is directed towards gratifying one’s self and selfish desires. No wonder, the divorce rate and `the break down of marriages are on the increase and HIV Aids is spreading like wild fire! How will I Love”?
Prayer Starter Lord, fill me with Your Holy Spirit, so that I too can love, the way You did.
