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TODAY’S WORD…

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Jesus said,

“This is my commandment:

that you love one another, as I have loved you.”

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– John 15:12 (NRSV)

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REFLECTION…

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Unless we want to forgive;

unless we really start trying to see Him in others;

and unless we try, in earnest, to want to love one another unconditionally as He loves us,

our praises are not entirely pleasing to Him,

in fact, they sadden Him.

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Jesus is saddened

because He recognises us as people who know about Him,

who know His teachings,

and who profess the Faith

– and yet we seem to be unwilling to swallow our pride,

and we stubbornly refuse to start forgiving

and to stop being judgemental.

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Our efforts at good works are meaningless

unless there is real love for others in our hearts.

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The Lord is also very aware of our weaknesses,

and He sees the many hearts that are hardened

when it comes to relationships with others and to forgiveness.

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In spite of all the sadness He feels,

Jesus still loves us.

He knows when our efforts to love Him,

and to demonstrate our feelings towards Him,

are genuine.

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Sadly, many still have not yet grasped how essential it is for Him

that we understand that most fundamental requirement

of truly loving one another.

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If only we would try to release our pride and our prejudices.

If only we would listen to His command,

to his plea.

Only then can we become truly open to His grace

and worthy of claiming to be His,

and to serving Him.

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PRAYER…

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Lord Jesus,

teach me how to love.

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REPETITIVE PRAYER FOR TODAY…

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Lord Jesus, teach me how to love.

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YEAR OF FAITH 2012-2013

FROM THE CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH…

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“God is Love”

and love is His first gift, containing all others.

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“God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” (Rom 5:5).

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[CCC 733]

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