by Sister Laura Zelten
On Sunday we will celebrate Mother's Day, so it is very fitting to hear Jesus' commandment to love one another -- a love that is like God's love. "As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love." (John 15:9)
We are called to be like God -- the God who has a passion for love and justice, the God who is concerned for all of creation, the God who has a special concern for the poor.
Throughout chapter 15, John calls our attention to the fundamental theme of all the gospels: Love. Jesus invites us to fall in love, to live in love. To know, taste and feel the strength of love -- all in the midst of our humanity. Yes, just as we are, Jesus calls us to love one another.
Thanks for the reflections & questions on LOVE.
The day of the shooting on the Bridge in Menasha, I heard of the mother's courageous love. And I thought, 'Yes, a Mother's Love - what a truly beautiful image / reality to contemplate!'
Then I heard a news report say that the last thing her husband said to her was, "Forgive the shooter." And I was so moved once again - and in a most striking way realized that a Father's Forgiving Heart and a Mother's Courageous Love had come together in and through this 'evil,' And I 'saw' and 'understood' the dying and death of JESUS on the cross ... and how and why Resurrection occurred.
It was all in and through and with a Mother's Very Brave and Courageous Holy Love and in and through and with a Father's Holy, Forgiving Heart.
Paschal Mystery.
John is my favorite Gospel writer simply because he does preach of LOVE. I can love all of humanity, even if I do not like a particular person. Believe it or not, my mother figure has been Sister Paulette. I lost my mother way too early and needed someone strong and guiding in my life. She was there!