Friends,
Today’s readings center on the theme of love: the totally faithful, unconditional love of God for us.
The first reading describes a turning point in the growth of the Early Church. Peter visits the house of Cornelius, a Roman centurion, and Gentile, announcing that ‘God does not have favorites.’ God reaches out to those who listen to him through his Holy Spirit. He creates a community of love that embraces all humanity.
In the Second Reading, St John reminds us of the profound truth that God loved us first. This love, at its core, is selfless and sacrificial. The depth of this love is revealed in God’s act of sending Jesus, whose self-sacrifice redeems our sins and draws us into the life of God. This act of love should fill us with gratitude and reverence, as we reflect on the immense gift we have been given.
The Gospel shows us Jesus teaching his disciples about his loving relationship with his Father. Jesus chooses and invites us into that same intimate relationship. He tells us how to follow him: that we should love one another. The Psalmist encourages us to sing praise joyfully to the Lord whose love offers salvation to all.
As we approach the culmination of Eastertide, let us pray for the grace to reflect the gift of God’s love through our actions toward one another and all creation.
Joy and peace.
