Rev. Fr. David Okolie
Dearest friends, there is this general claim of Christians to love God and neighbour. Thus, for an average Christian, he/she will always admit that he/she has no problems with the Love of God and Neighbour. But the question is: Is this love SINCERE?
Well, I think that when we come to the above question, we would discover that this love that is often professed, more often than not, is INSINCERE in the hearts of a number of Christians. Do you doubt what I have said? Now let us consider the following:
👉🏼How can one who says that he/she loves God be comfortable in living contrary to the Commandments of God?
👉🏼How can a couple who claim that they love each other be living under the same roof but with hidden animosity?
👉🏼How can two colleagues be living or working together but with malicious intents towards each other?
The list can go on and on. The truth is that when LOVE becomes SINCERE that is when we would truly be children of God and candidates of heaven. Thus, the Scripture affirms: “Let LOVE be completely SINCERE… Love one another warmly as Christians… Be happy with those who are happy, weep with those who weep. Have the same concern for everyone…” (cf. Rom 12:9-16). Jesus himself said: “If you Love me, you will OBEY my Commandments” (cf. Jn 14:15).
In case we have forgotten, the Council of Trent teaches that “The Ten Commandments are OBLIGATORY for Christians and that the justified man is still BOUND to keep them.” This was also affirmed by Second Vatican Council (cf. CCC n. 2068). Again, our judgement on the last day would be based on the Commandment of LOVE (cf. Matt 25:31-46).
We pray the Blessed Virgin Mary to always support us with her powerful intercession. Amen🙏🏼
Happy Sunday and remain blessed!
(cf. CATECHESIS ‘NKUZI NKE OKWUKWE’ FOR THE 30TH SUNDAY OF THE YEAR (A);
READINGS: R1: Ex 22:20-26, R2: 1 Thess 1:5c-10, Gosp. Matt 22:34-40)
