Living in God

In an article on “successful aging” (New Theology Review, November, 2010),  Dr. Lawrence M. Lenoir proposes that the art of giving and receiving love is at the  heart of growing old gracefully. Research shows that being in a loving relationship  quiets the demons of depression and despair. So, if you want to be healthy, be  loving. Jesus would agree. 

The rabbis of Jesus’ day argued about which was the greatest commandment  of the six hundred thirteen in the Torah. When the Pharisees asked Jesus, he  answered that what God wanted most from the chosen people who had been  liberated from slavery and called to live in a covenantal relationship was a return  of the love God showed to them. This love has two faces: loving God totally and  loving one another as one loves oneself. 

Loving is a contagious activity. If you are loved, you tend to be loving. Paul is  sounding this note when he writes to the Thessalonians about how they became  imitators of him and his fellow evangelizers Timothy and Silvanus, and of the  Lord himself, receiving the word and living in faith, joy, and love for each other,  because they believed in God’s love for them, revealed in Christ. 

Our love must flow outward in compassionate generosity. The Lord called on  Israel to show its love by not oppressing aliens, not wronging weak orphans and  defenseless widows, and not extorting the poor by demanding interest on loans.  No less is asked of those who have received the Holy Spirit and live in community with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. That’s us. Love one another. 

Consider/Discuss

• What do you think God wants most from you? 
• Does anything prevent you from responding to God’s love with all  your heart, soul, and mind? 
• Who is the neighbor who most needs your love at this time? 

Responding to the Word

It is difficult to love, especially when we have been hurt by others. Ask the  Holy Spirit to bring you the “fire of God’s love.” Call on the Spirit to deepen your  awareness of God’s love for you, shown by giving us life and the gifts of faith,  hope, and love.