We love because God loved us first. But if we say we love God and don't love each other, we are liars. We cannot see God. So how can we love God, if we don't love the people we can see? The commandment that God has given us is: "Love God and love each other!" 1 John 4:19-21, CEV

When the home of Dr. King was bombed on January 30, 1956, he chose not to retaliate with violence. He believed in confronting the problem with love. He urged his followers to manifest love and to continue to carry on the struggle for equality with dignity and determination.

Reflection

"Love" is an easy word in today's culture.
It is used to endorse superficial relationships and negotiate prenuptial contracts.
It is easily abandoned when commitment turns to confrontation.

It sits lightly and easily on our lips:
"You'll love it!"
From billboards to megastores to the corner bodega, they tell us:
"You'll love it!"

From cinemas to video stores to music stores, they tell us:
"You'll love it!"
The exploitation of love is a hallmark of consumerism.

God calls us to love.
That is love as vulnerability.
That is love that costs.
That is love that calls for commitment.
God's love for us was crucified on a cross.

Prayer

God of history: teach us your way of loving that we may love others through their pain, their rejection, and often through their sense of dislocation.

God of tomorrow: give us Christ-like integrity that we may be authentic witnesses to your love that reconciles and renews. Amen.