Readings: 1 John 4:19-5:4, Ps. 72:1-2,14-15,17, Luke 4:14-22
“If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen.” (1 John 4:20-21)
- Words are powerful, but actions speak louder. It is easy to say, “I love God”, but if this statement is true, anyone encountering you will feel it. St. John says, “No man has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us.” (1 John 4:12). Is it possible to have God in you and still hate someone? St. John says: “No.” Anyone who claims to love God but hates his brother is a liar. You cannot love an invisible God and hate the people you see daily.
- St. John said: “Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or speech but in deed and in truth.” (1 John 3:15-18).
- If you love God, you will not deny help even to your enemies. How else can we express our love for God other than kindness to strangers – those who cannot and will never repay us? Love for God and love for neighbour are not two separate commandments. They are two sides of the same coin. You cannot give the head without also giving the tail. “And this commandment we have from him, that he who loves God should love his brother also.” (1 John 4:21). Also, when asked about the first commandment, Jesus combined the love of God and love of neighbour. (Cf. Mark 12:28-31)
- Some Christians say: “I just want to serve God and mind my business. I don’t need anybody. Let everyone be on their own.” Are we serving God when we are indifferent to the problems others are facing around us? In Luke 10:25-36, Jesus told the story of a man who was robbed and beaten to a pulp while travelling alone. A priest and a Levite saw this man half-dead and continued their way, but a Samaritan stopped, took him to an inn and treated his wounds. Which of these three worshipped God?
- On the last day, we would be judged according to the amount of love we showed others. (cf. Matthew 25:40-45). Bring joy to others. Be like Jesus in today’s Gospel passage, who said: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.” (Luke 4:18). Many are poor, held captive and oppressed by various societal challenges. No one is without problems. Do not live only for yourself. While you are praying for a helper, you are the helper others are praying for. Before asking for help from someone, ask how you can help them.
- Jesus read the scroll with authority, unlike the priests and other synagogue officials. He knew He came to help humanity, not vice versa. (Cf. Mark 10:45). No wonder Jesus wasn’t bothered by our cruel response. If your help is truly motivated by your love for others, you will not be discouraged when they fail to reciprocate. You will continue doing good even if all you get is heartbreak and insult.
- As Jesus spoke, Luke tells us that the audience was held spellbound. They spoke well of Him and wondered at the gracious words that came out of His mouth. If you have love in your heart, gracious words will come out of your mouth. Jesus said: “Out of the abundance of the heart; the mouth speaks.” (Matthew 12:34). Even if you are angry (or in pain), ensure your words are edifying.
- St. Paul teaches us: “Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for edifying, as fits the occasion, that it may impart grace to those who hear.” (Ephesians 4:29). The only way to control your mouth is to cleanse your heart of hatred. Fill your mind with good thoughts; your words will be gracious. St. Peter teaches us: “As each has received a gift, employ it for one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who utters oracles of God.” (1 Peter 4:10-11).
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, teach us to love you by loving others and help us always to use the right words. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Thursday after Epiphany Sunday Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: 1 John 4:19-5:4, Ps. 72:1-2,14-15,17, Luke 4:14-22).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu