Today's readings are here: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/031612.cfm
In the first reading, God promises the Israelites that after they repent, they will experience peace, comfort, and fruitfulness. In the Gospel, Jesus teaches us that the essence of the law is love for God and neighbor. This love is renewed in us after we repent, and is the basis of the peace, comfort, and fruitfulness mentioned in the first reading.
Love, as one of the theological virtues, is to will the good of another for the love of God. As such, it is a love that is centered on God. Because it has God for its object, it is not something that can flow from human nature alone. It is above human nature and must be given to us from above, that is, from God.
Love is also the essence of the conscience. When the conscience tells us to do good and avoid evil, it is telling us to do the loving thing and avoid the unloving thing.
This Lent, may God give us the grace of repentance, so we will be filled with love of God and neighbor, and experience the peace, comfort, and fruitfulness that are the fruits of love.
No comments:
Post a Comment