"This is my
commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you."
Christ’s command that "we are to love each other as he has
loved us" is a beautiful message of our Savior’s unabiding love for us. Though
his message is simple and direct, it is difficult for us to lead our lives committed to
loving our neighbors as Jesus loved us.
Why is this? In today’s world, the focus is on what it takes to
"get ahead." We are measured by society’s economic barometer. Success is
determined by what you have and what you have accomplished ... a good paying job, nice
home, fancy cars, money in the bank, and a host of people admiring your gains.
Unfortunately, our society promotes and encourages all of us to be more interested in
ourselves rather than serving others through our genuine love and concern for our
neighbors.
The good news is that Christ lives within each of us. It is for us to
accept our Savior as the one who can truly lead and direct our lives in a manner that is
pleasing to God.
The Lenten Season is a time for us to prayerfully re-examine our lives.
It is a time for each of us to probe deeply into our innermost being. In doing so, we need
to honestly evaluate and assess how our feelings, attitudes, conduct, and actions are
directed toward others in our midst. Hopefully, through this self-examination process, we
can each be touched by our Lord’s mercy and grace so that we can truly be living
examples committed to loving and serving mankind in a manner pleasing to our Savior and
Lord.
Prayer: Dear heavenly Father. Help us during Lent and throughout the
year to reflect and reexamine ourselves, our lives, and your commandments. In Jesus’
name we pray. Amen.
