There are odd expressions in the Fourth Gospel and in 1 John. It is strange to be commanded to love. Even stranger: “Now by this we may be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments.” What can “command” and “obedience” have to do with the love, the most free thing of all? It may help to recall that both human nature and divine nature are defined by love. We are being commanded to become what we most want to be in our deepest selves. Obedience here is the invitation to become our truest selves, true to our identity before God and our true to our mission simply as human beings.

Prayer 

You know us more deeply than we know ourselves: may your love go before us always and inspire in us a generous love for our neighbour.

K O’Mahony OSA