Jesus said, "This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends."

"Walk blindly to the light and reach out for his hand. Don't ask any questions and don't try to understand. Open up your mind and then open up your heart, and you will see that you and me aren't very far apart. 'Cause I believe that love is the answer; I believe love will find the way."    

Jesus' primary directive to love is contained in a striking way in Blessid Union of Souls' song "I Believe."

Their song becomes a litany of hope for humankind with the refrain:
***Many of us are searching and trying to understand: may we open up our minds and hearts to see that none of us are very far apart from each other.
***Many of us are overwhelmed with tragedy and violence, from car bombs that destroy buildings to land mines that maim bodies: may we close our eyes and silently address our God for help.
***Many of us are victims of the violence of pleasure and power: may we learn about the evils that selfishness causes.
***Many families of our world are in the streets, homeless with no place to go: may we reach out our hands in some gesture of help.
***Many sell drugs to children: may we all understand that we eliminate our future with the things that we do today.
***Many of us use money as an incentive to do things: may we bring ourselves to see the evil it can cause.
***Many choose different life-styles while trying to discover love: may we develop respect and understanding for all.
***Many parents do not agree with their older children's decisions: may we help everyone to recognize the importance of not abandoning the young, even if we do not agree with them.
***Many of us suffer from depression and suicidal thoughts: may we realize that God made all of us good, and good we will always be, no matter what.

The eminent Mahatma Gandhi is reported to have said that the seven worst sins of humankind are: wealth without work; pleasure without conscience; knowledge without character; commerce without morality; science without humanity; worship without sacrifice; and politics without principle.

Our response must always be:

THOUGHT
In general, do we show by our actions that love is the answer to the problems we have? Yes or no and why?
 
PRAYER
Good and gracious God, your Son gave us your doctrine of love for all. It is not an easy directive to carry out, and so we beg your help to put the belief of love into action. Be with us, we pray.

Questions, comments? Let me know. Email Fr. Mike

©2007 Capuchin Province of Mid-America
Fr. Mike Scully is a member of the Capuchin Province of Mid-America