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Thursday, May 22, 2003

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Acts 15:7-21
Psalm 96
John 15:9-11

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love with a capital "l"

"As the Father has loved Me, so I have loved you. Live on in My love." —John 15:9

Christians are called not only to be loving or lovable but to be in Love — in the most profound and mysterious way. God is Love (1 Jn 4:8,16), and Jesus is God. Therefore, Jesus is Love, and we have been baptized into Him (see Rm 6:3). Thus we are in Him, Who is Love. We are in Love literally, not just in love.

Thus, we "live in His love" (Jn 15:10). In Love, we love in amazing, impossible ways. For example, we love our enemies. We love especially the most unlovable. In Love, our love is stronger than death. We literally love forever. We are even able to "grasp fully, with all the holy ones, the breadth and length and height and depth of Christ's love, and experience this love which surpasses all knowledge, so that" we "may attain to the fullness of God Himself" (Eph 3:18-19). We can see why Jesus said: "This is how all will know you for My disciples: your love for one another" (Jn 13:35).

Are you fully living your Baptism into Love? In Baptism, you are not only in God, Who is Love but He, Who is Love, is in you. You don't just have love in you; you have Love in you at the same time as you are in Love. In Love, your potential to love is inexpressible and overwhelming. How can you fully accept your awesome baptismal graces? Jesus simply promised: "You will live in My love if you keep My commandments" (Jn 15:10). Live in Love, and Love will live in you (1 Jn 4:16).

Prayer:  Father, send the Holy Spirit to teach me the meaning of Love.

Promise:  "All this I tell you that My joy may be yours and your joy may be complete." —Jn 15:11

Praise:  After years of confusion, Robert simply looked upon the crucifix as if for the first time. He understood and loved. 

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Giles H. Pater, October 17, 2002


Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 21, 2002