Mission of Love

by Priscilla Rosario, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling

God works through us. We have a mission. We are in the world for a purpose — to receive God’s love and to show God’s love to others. God seeks to heal a broken universe. He asks us to be his witnesses and helpers in that work. (Love is Our Mission: The Family Fully Alive, Chapter 2)

The preparatory catechesis for the World Meeting of Families highlights ten themes for prayer and reflection. In this month of January the archdiocese focuses upon the second theme, The Mission of Love. Moving into 2015, many of us find ourselves fresh with the zeal of a new year’s resolutions. A praiseworthy commitment to be more patient, more kind, more tolerant of the little -and not so little- crosses of life in the world. And yet, who among us has not experienced the waning of enthusiasm after the holidays as the daily grind resumes? Unlike our easily broken promises, God’s love for us is ever-present, never changing, and yet always new. It is consistent.

Love is the “be all and end all” of human relationships. We were created in love, to love, and it is in loving that we find our fullest expression. We are called to give life to that love within the context of our individual vocations, whether you are single, consecrated religious, or a parent. Unless we internalize our dignity and worth as children of a mighty and merciful God, we cannot be effective instruments of that love. It’s difficult to show love when life is hard, when you are weary and worn down and others are not showing love to you.

It is just for such moments that God has given us the gift of the sacraments. Through partaking in the sacramental life of the Church, we renew the life of grace in our souls. We repair and renew our relationship with Him and are strengthened to face the brokenness of the world once more. When God’s love is in our hearts, it overflows and we are able to show that love to others. We are made in His image, and as He loves us, so we are called to love others. Our cooperation is an essential part of His plan to heal His creation of the wounds inflicted by the Fall. As you move forward into the new year, consider how important your individual role is as part of that plan.

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