Memorial of Saint John Neumann, Bishop

We know that we have passed from death to life because we love our brothers. Whoever does not love remains in death. Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life remaining in him. The way we came to know love was that he laid down his life for us; so we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If someone who has worldly means sees a brother in need and refuses him compassion, how can the love of God remain in him? Children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth.

Our love for God and others is our proof what we are God's children. If our love is tainted by selfishness, comes with caveats, or is impure in any way, then we will remain in death. However, if our love is pure and without exceptions, then we shall pass from death into life. God laid His life down for us through Jesus Christ. This act of ultimate sacrifice is one we need to be able to make as well. We might never be called on to martyr ourselves the way Jesus did, but we must have the spirit of martyrdom within us. We need to be able to love not only in word or speech, but in deed and truth. We need compassionate and loving hearts that are able to overcome our selfish hatreds and choose to do good even to those who are our enemies.

O Lord, help us to love in thought, word, and work.

Amen.