Paragraph 2074 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church ends with this quote from the Gospel of John, Chapter 15, Verse 12:
"This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you."
I literally, could not turn the page after reading this. My reflection began with the question How does God love me/us? and ended with How can we possibly love like that?
First, God loves us so immensely, so tenderly, so selflessly, that he carries us as his sheep, enfolding us in his arms, without any care beyond the fact that we have returned. When he welcomes us back, our sins are not an obstacle, because we are ready and willing to accept his divine love and mercy.
To love as He loves us, then, requires a divine love. But, we have a human love. So, our human love, overshadowed by His divine love, makes loving as He loves us possible. It is true that for this to take place, we must decrease and He must increase. Our self-interest, our judgmental tendencies, our unforgiving, grudge-holding ways must diminish--disappear really--if we are to love as He loves.
For this to be accomplished requires us to have a deep, intimate connection with God. Through prayer and silent listening, seeking and the Eucharist, not to mention Reconciliation, we can find hope.
Take time this Lent to reflect on God's love and grace poured out on you. Forgive yourself and accept God's forgiveness. Love, as He has loved you.
God bless,
Janet
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