Memorial of St. John, Apostle

Reflection

“Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love.” –1 John 4:8

Prayer

God who is Love,

It is easy to say we know what love means. We share those precious words with friends and lovers, “I love you,” and in the next breath profess our “love” for objects and food. Yet to know what you mean by love is a different thing altogether. Your love calls us to a new way of living which, despite its simplicity, is not all that simple. As your holy apostle, St. John the beloved, explained: if we say we love you, but hate someone else, we’re deceiving ourselves and need to look deeper. If we say we know you, we will naturally love all your precious children, all those who are made in your image. Help us to know you better, God who is love, and watch our world heal. Amen.

Call to Action

We all make mistakes in our relationships, but that’s different than refusing to love. Take time to consider: is there someone in my life I have chosen not to love? Not to forgive? How can I open my heart to love that person again?