Sunday 7^th September – 23^rd Sunday of the year

Reflection: Romans 13: 8 -10

OUR CHRISTIAN IDENTITY

“Love is the one thing that cannot hurt your neighbour” (Romans 13:10). Our world is plagued with so much strife. Stories of wars, terrorism and all forms of violence have become commonplace in world news such that one begins to wonder if there can be such a thing as “world peace”.

At the root of all these societal evils is the absence of love. Love is that virtue that binds people together irrespective of race, tribe, religion or social standing. As Christians we are called to love. Just as Christ pointed out in the gospels, St Paul reminds us in today’s reading that all the commandments are summed up in this: “You shall love your neighbour as yourself”. Love is much more than words or emotions. It involves sacrificial giving of your time, talent and treasure. It involves going out of your way to extend a hand of help to someone in need.

Dear friend, are there times you see a person in need and turn the other way? Are there times you have been unwilling to sacrifice for someone who needs your help? Today, God reminds you and I that the call to love is not a mere option; it is a command; it is our identity as Christians (John 13:34-35) and a determinant of where we will spend our eternity (Matthew 25: 31-46). Christ has shown us a perfect example of love by dying for our sins. Let us go out share this wonderful love with those who surround us.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, I thank you for your great love for me. Please forgive me for the many times I have failed to treat others with love and help me to be ready to sacrifice my pleasures for the sake of my brethren. Amen.

 KNOW YOUR FAITH: CCC 1825 – Christ died out of love for us, while we were still “enemies”. The Lord asks us to love as he does, even our enemies, to make ourselves the neighbour of those farthest away, and to love children and the poor as Christ himself.

 HIDE A TREASURE: “By this we know love; that he laid down his life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren” 1 John 3:16 RSV-CE

 Readings for Today: Ezekiel 33: 7-9; Psalm 95: 1-2, 6-9; Romans 13: 8-10; Matthew 18: 15-20