I love my pet, pizza, my family, and old friends. The word Love is a broad term. It can indicate a fondness for something or someone. It can refer to something that elicits pleasure or enjoyment. It can refer to a deep friendship or passionate/romantic feelings and attractions.

In the Gospel, Jesus' commandment to love refers to something more divine. Jesus speaks about "agape" love. It refers to a decision, a commitment to do the best for others-even if we don't like them, even if they act disagreeably. This is the way Jesus loves. This is the way that Jesus commands us to love.  It is demanding and self-sacrificial. It is the way the first Christians were identified. The Romans recognized their love of God through their intense prayer lives. They recognized Christians' love of others though their care for one another, for the sick, and the poor.

Aside from clothing, or a cross or rosary we carry, would our world recognize us as people who love like Jesus? 

Fr. Mike Ronayne