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Sunday, October 27, 2002

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30th Sunday Ordinary Time


Exodus 22:20-26
1 Thessalonians 1:1, 5-10
Psalm 18:2-4, 47, 51
Matthew 22:34-40

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love love himself

"I love You, O Lord, my Strength." —Psalm 18:2

Jesus revealed that the two greatest commandments were about loving God and our neighbor (Mt 22:37-39). Jesus maintained that His mission was to show us the Father's love (Jn 15:9). He commanded us to love even our enemies (Mt 5:44). Jesus said that we would be recognized as His disciples because of our "love for one another" (Jn 13:35). Finally, Jesus laid down His life for us when He died on the cross. "There is no greater love than this" (Jn 15:13).

The first Christians began to understand Jesus' life of love. They came to realize that:

  • God the Father "so loved the world that He gave His only Son" (Jn 3:16).
  • "Love never fails" (1 Cor 13:8).
  • Without love, we are nothing (1 Cor 13:2).
  • "Love covers a multitude of sins" (1 Pt 4:8).
  • Love is greater than even faith or hope (1 Cor 13:13).
  • "The love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit" (Rm 5:5).

Finally, the early Church came to the awesome conclusion that "God is Love, and he who abides in Love abides in God, and God in him" (1 Jn 4:16; see 1 Jn 4:8). Love Love Himself.

Prayer:  Father, may the love of Christ impel us (2 Cor 5:14) to make disciples of all nations (Mt 28:19).

Promise:  "The word of the Lord has echoed forth from you resoundingly." —1 Thes 1:8

Praise:  Praise Jesus, our risen Lord and Love!

Reference:  (For a related teaching, order our tape Love on audio AV 58-1 or video V-58.)

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Richard L. Klug, April 10, 2002


Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 18, 2002