🌿 THE COMMANDMENT OF LOVE 🌿
Today the Church year brings us to the Seventh Sunday after Pentecost, whose theme is “The Commandment of Love”. The verse of the day leads us to the heart of this theme: “Thus says the Lord, he who created you: ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.’” (Isaiah 43:1)
The commandment of love is not a pleasant addition to faith, but a command at the very heart of the way of Christ. God’s love frees us from selective generosity and teaches us to see in our neighbour a person whom the Lord has called by name.
In the reading from Samuel at today’s Mass, we hear of the importance of obedience; the Letter of James binds faith together with mercy and love of neighbour; and in the Gospel Jesus exposes the rich man’s captive heart. Here love is not a feeling, but a life of obedience and mercy lived before God.
The commandment of love therefore does not remain a vague goodwill. It concerns how we use our possessions, time, words and attention—and whether our faith makes us more merciful towards our neighbour.
St Augustine’s brief saying, “Love, and do what you will,” does not mean arbitrariness, but a heart guided by true love. Such love does not seek its own advantage, but the good of one’s neighbour.
You are warmly welcome to Mass at St Elizabeth’s Church at 10:00. Our guest preacher today is Father Stephen Knowers. Coffee and fellowship will follow.
Let us pray: Almighty God, in Jesus Christ you reveal to us eternal and true love, and you desire to kindle the fire of love in our hearts. Help us by your Holy Spirit to overcome hatred within ourselves and to grow in love for one another. We ask this through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen.
