First reading – 1 John 4:7-10
In the First Reading from 1 John 4:7-10, we encounter a profound revelation about the nature of God: God is love. This is not merely a characteristic or an attribute of God but the very essence of who God is. This love is not abstract or distant; it is tangible and transformative, made manifest in the sending of God’s only Son into the world. Through this self-giving act, we are offered life—a life redeemed and renewed by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who took upon Himself the weight of our sins. This divine love is not meant to be hoarded or kept for ourselves; it calls for a response. If we have received the life of God, who is love, then we are invited, indeed commanded, to love one another. To live in God is to live in love, and to love others is to reflect the divine love that has been poured out upon us. This passage challenges us to move beyond mere sentimentality and embrace a love that is selfless, sacrificial, and active, mirroring the love God has shown to us. Let’s reflect: How can I actively reflect God’s love in my daily interactions, especially with those who are difficult to love?
Don Giorgio