Loving Friends

"We cannot be sure whether we are loving God, although we may have good reason that we are. But we can know quite well whether we are loving our neighbor." ~ St. Teresa of Avila

In today’s Gospel, we see people who are loving their neighbour as they think outside of the box and discover a way to bring their friend before Jesus. How many of us would go to the rooftops and ensure that someone we loved would be touched by Jesus? The story of the paralytic has been a favourite of mine for some time. I think it is because I do not like to ask people to do things for me and yet when I stretch beyond my comfort zone and do so, I have good results. I wonder if this man asked his friends to help him get to Jesus?

I have had a busy day which started with a Skype call to my friend in Singapore, a bunch of errands, a wonderful birthday supper at a new restaurant in town with two friends who are celebrating birthdays, and then mass. I know at one point mid-afternoon, I wanted just to crawl back into bed and nap. I think Jesus’ words of pick up your mat and go resonated within me though because I did not lay down.

What about you? Do you have proof that you are loving your neighbour? Do you know that your neighbour is loving you? I pray that you find yourself surrounded by people who will, like in the Gospel, go the extra mile for you, and who will think out of the box to get you what you need.

Peace,

Suzanne