First reading – 1 John 3:11-21
“My children, our love is not to be just words or mere talk, but something real and active; only by this can we be certain that we are children of the truth and be able to quieten our conscience in his presence”. This is so clear. The love in words to love in action. St. John is using two words: real and active. Our love towards others should be real and active. Real because it should be concrete, something the other person needs or desires, something relevant. It’s not about doing something good to the other person which I like but something relevant to the other. Then it should be active. Our help or our love can never be something inactive. It should be something which continues, which remains to exist. Love in action can never be inactive because it’s alive, it continues to be there. To do something out of love which is not active is easy. But a love that continues is something challenging. It’s a commitment, not just an action. Let’s reflect: My love to others, is it relevant and a commitment or just is it what I like and an any action?