Rev. Fr. David Okolie
Dearest friends, the CHRISTIAN LOVE is also called CHARITY. This Charity is one of the 3 Theological virtues; the other 2 being Faith and Hope. They are called Theological virtues because they are infused into the soul by God alone (cf. CCC, n. 1813). Hence, the Catechism defines Charity as “the theological virtue by which we love God above all things for his own sake, and our neighbor as ourselves for the love of God” (cf. CCC, n. 1822). What can you notice in the above? That when it seems very difficult to love somebody, remember that you MUST love the person, at least, for the sake of God. Remember that it may not always be very easy to love in certain situations but if we earnestly pray God to infuse and sustain this virtue in us, he will surely do that for us.
The above is indeed, the central message of Christianity. As Christians, we have it as a Divine Command, to Love. Hence, Jesus affirms: “This is my command: Love each other” (cf. Jn 15:17). For those of us who think that they can remain in enmity with people and at the same time occupy seats in the Church and around God’s table, just listen to St. John: “If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a LIAR. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen” (cf. 1 Jn 4:20).
Therefore, I encourage you to allow LOVE overcome every form of malice already in your life. Try and love that your spouse/bride, colleague, superior, relative, student, parishioner, etc. whom you think it is now impossible to love. Try and love him/her for the SAKE of Jesus Christ. Yes, it may be very difficult but do not forget that such act of love really PAYS, both in this life and in the life to come.
We pray the Blessed Virgin Mary, to always support us with her powerful intercessions. Amen🙏🏼
Happy Sunday and remain blessed!
(cf. CATECHESIS “NKUZI NKE OKWUKWE”FOR THE 6TH SUNDAY OF EASTER (B)
READINGS: R1 Acts 10:25-26.34-35.44-48, R2 1 Jn 4:7-10, Gosp. Jn 15:9-17)
