Acts 10:25-26,34-35,44-48; 1 John 4:7-10; John 15:9-17
Today’s readings are all about love. In the Acts of the Apostles, Peter’s meeting with Cornelius begins with Cornelius falling at Peter’s feet in homage and ends with the Holy Spirit entering into all those present – both circumcised believers and Gentiles. The Gentiles are subsequently baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and are embraced by Peter, Cornelius and all those present. God’s love is all-inclusive.
In the letters of St. John he exhorts all to love one another because love is of God and proclaims that whoever is without love does not know God. He goes on to say that God loves us so much that he sent his Son in expiation for our sins.
In today’s world, it sometimes seems impossible to concentrate on loving if we allow ourselves to be swayed by the various forms of the media. Television, newspapers, and magazines all extol the tragedies and crimes that surround us. We seldom read of the many heroes and heroines who are with us every day doing good works and bringing hope and help to all those in need.
Our own Dominican Women also choose every day to bring education, hope, love and caring in the many places to which their ministries take them. Whether in Blauvelt or any of the locations where we are involved – near or far – our love shines forth to all: students are educated, the poor and disadvantaged are cared for, and the lives of all are thereby enriched.
The entire ministry of Jesus was the shining example to which we aspire. The Bible tells us that God went among the poor and ill, healing many and teaching us all that love is the way.
As a Blauvelt Dominican Associate, I am privileged to be inspired daily by the loving good works of the members of our Congregation. “Jesus said: I call you friends because I have told you everything I heard from my Father. You did not choose me, I chose you and appointed you to go and bear much fruit, the kind of fruit that endures. And so Father will give you whatever you ask of him in my name. This, then, is what I command you: love one another.” Mary Diamant, Associate