Love, Truth, Action!

"Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.” ~ 1 John 3:18

Interesting readings today! The first reading talks about Saul and how no one trusted him at first when he attempted to join the disciples after persecuting them. Saul, aka Paul, had begun to “speak boldly in the name of Jesus.” The community was starting to flourish and enjoy great peace, we discover, held together in the “fear of the Lord and comfort of the Holy Spirit.” As a student of Ignatius of Loyola, I understand fear to be about Creator versus creature, of recognizing the divine and being filled with awe and reverence for it.

The second reading speaks again of boldness, asking for what we desire as we obey the commandments and do that which pleases God. We are reminded to love one another and abide in Jesus. The Gospel makes this even plainer by Jesus’ proclamation that he is the true vine and for the branches that do not bear fruit, pruning is coming. For those that do bear fruit, more fruit is expected. The reminder comes that it is not that we bear fruit on our own accord but it is because we are attached to the vine that we can bear good fruit. Apart from the vine, a branch can do nothing.

This is a good reminder at a time when the Church seems to be in crisis once again. We must act in accordance with Christ, otherwise the fruit we bear will not be good. Our deeds will rot. Each of us must continue to weigh for ourselves if our lives are lived in love, truth and action. Some days it will seem like what we must do is too bold and we cannot make those steps, yet, perhaps that is the very moment we must blossom.

The photo shows a group of women in Rwanda who were meeting to discuss the role of churchwomen rebuilding and healing relationships in their country after the genocide. There was no spirit of timidity there. Relying on Jesus to guide them, these women wanted to enjoy great peace.

I cannot help but think of the many religious sisters around the world who live out their belief in Jesus Christ through good deeds. Of course, for every one hundred good branches, there might be the odd one that is not bearing the proper fruit. I have certainly known a few wing-nut nuns, but they are in the minority as most I know have truly yoked themselves to Christ. Today, I am praying for religious women around the globe as they carry out their good works with love and truth. I am grateful for their modeling. May God grant them strength and endurance, like Saul, to continue to serve Christ in all that they do.

Peace,

Suzanne