Peace Is A Decision – Love is the Motive

Greetings on this the Wednesday after Epiphany

Readings: 1 Jn 4:11-18; PS 72:1-2, 10, 12-13; Mk 6:45-52

First reading speaks to the necessity to love and the power to love is from love itself.

Loving in the midst of chaos is the quintessential expression of love. Love without the challenges of ‘the test’ is but a potentially only emotionality.

But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out. They had all seen him and were terrified. But at once he spoke with them,
“Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!”
He got into the boat with them and the wind died down.  They were completely astounded.

It is very challenging to resist demanding others be like yourself. But we are called to do just that and the test. Whatever the differences of opinion, religion, policy, and taste finding a common ground based on love is to preserve life in its entirety.

A Christmas message from Bethlehem…