First Reading - 1 John 4:7-16
Gospel - John 11:19-27
(Readings are chosen according to the memoria of St. MARTHA)
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In the first reading from the first letter of John, we hear about the essence and origin of love. John exhorts the community to love one another because love is from God. He goes on to say that whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Conversely, anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. This passage profoundly underscores that love is not merely an attribute of God but His very nature. John also reminds us that God's love was manifested among us through His Son, Jesus Christ, sent into the world so that we might live through Him. This sacrificial love is the model for how we are to love one another. Moreover, living in love means living in God, and God in us, creating an indwelling relationship that transforms and sustains us.
The Gospel reading from John presents the encounter between Jesus and Martha following the death of her brother, Lazarus. When Jesus arrives, Martha expresses her faith in Jesus' power, stating that if He had been there, her brother would not have died. Jesus responds with a profound declaration: "I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die." Martha affirms her faith, recognizing Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God. This passage highlights Jesus' authority over life and death and His profound compassion and love for those who trust in Him. Jesus' conversation with Martha is not only about the promise of eternal life but also about the assurance of His presence and power in the face of grief and loss.
Dear friends, the readings today call us to a deeper understanding and experience of God's love. The first reading challenges us to live in love, reflecting God's nature in our relationships. It reminds us that true knowledge of God is evidenced by our capacity to love one another genuinely and sacrificially, following the example of Christ. The Gospel, on the other hand, reassures us of Jesus' power over death and His promise of eternal life, inviting us to trust in Him fully even in our darkest moments. Martha's faith in Jesus, despite her grief, is a powerful testimony to us. Her recognition of Jesus as the resurrection and the life encourages us to hold onto our faith, trusting in His love and His promises.
Let us strive to embody the love of God in our daily lives, being channels of His love to those around us. By doing so, we reflect the true nature of God and fulfill His commandment to love one another. In times of sorrow and difficulty, let us draw strength from our faith in Jesus, the resurrection and the life, knowing that His love conquers all.
May God fill our hearts with His love, and may we live in His love, bearing witness to His grace and truth in all that we do.
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