In today’s Gospel (Mt. 22, 34-40), Jesus sums up all the commandments into two: Love of God, and love of neighbour as oneself. Love is the vision. Love is the mission. Love is the key, the answer to all our problems and questions. With love, we can overcome all our calvaries and purgatories.
They say that money makes the world go round. Not true. It is love that makes the world go round. Maybe not as fast as the way money makes it, but, slowly and surely. Moreover, there will always be people who are willing to sacrifice, go the extra mile, stand up for their principles, and do what is noble and right. The world is not a hopeless situation, after all. It is not a broken world as long as we do not become cynical about love. When money dwindles, we panic. All the more if love dwindles.
The verb “to love” is used 62 times, whereas the noun “love” is used only nine times in the gospels. In other words, more than a feeling or an emotion, love is an action that expresses itself in deeds. More love. Less selfishness. That’s what the world needs now.
Love is the greatest gift and the greatest responsibility in our lives. If you look back into your life and into your heart, you’d realize that the happiest moments happened because you loved, and the saddest moments happened because you were selfish. The evil one makes us focus on money. God makes us focus on love. What are you looking at? What is your focus in life?
Is it possible to love God to the max? With all of one’s heart and soul? Not really!
We can love Him above all though. And love Him in spite of all. Yes, we must continue loving, for that is our mission and calling.
Forget the big things, the great tomorrows when you intend to do your loving. The time and the place to love is in your present reality, in your here and now. Whatever you do, just remember what Mother Teresa once said: “It’s not what you do in life, but how much love you put into it that matters.”
Lord, remind me that what matters most is LOVE.
Amen