God shows us that sacrificial love makes a world of difference
by Sister Sally Ann Brickner
John, the beloved disciple of Jesus, authored today’s Gospel (John 13:31-35) and the passage from Revelation (21:1-5). Each relates well with St. Paul’s account of God’s dynamic actions in the early Church (Acts 14:21-27).
The Gospel setting is Jesus’ intimate exchange during His Last Supper with His followers. Jesus told His disciples that through the sacrificial love of the Son of Man God is glorified. That is, through His dying and rising, God is glorified. Jesus then gave His most important commandment: “Love one another as I have loved you.” In essence, Jesus said to the disciples – and says to us – “Love is what makes all things new!"
What does that love look like? It is “sacrificial love,” love that does not count the cost. Love that does what is seemingly too hard for human persons to accomplish on their own. Love that comes from God alone who “makes all things new.”
Love patiently accepts frail human efforts to care for Earth.
God makes all things new!
Love responds kindly to irritatingly probing inquiries.
God makes all things new!
Love rejoices when another person receives praise.
God makes all things new!
Love bears hurtful remarks with long-suffering.
God makes all things new!
Love speaks truth to power with courage.
God makes all things new!
Love forgives seven times seven times.
God makes all things new!
And in love, God is glorified.
Prayer for the week:
Ad majoram Dei gloriam! For the greater glory of God! (St. Ignatius of Loyola)
"Love patiently accepts frail human efforts to care for Earth.
God makes all things new!
Love responds kindly to irritatingly probing inquiries.
God makes all things new!
Love rejoices when another person receives praise.
God makes all things new!
Love bears hurtful remarks with long-suffering.
God makes all things new!
Love speaks truth to power with courage.
God makes all things new!
Love forgives seven times seven times.
God makes all things new!
And in love, God is glorified."
++++++++++++++++++++++
This is a very creative, thoughtful and thought-provoking expression (psalm) that inspires and enlightens, while imparting an insightful message of 'genuine learning --' that which comes through applying the Wisdom and Grace of the Holy Spirit to one's every day, lived experience.
This is the kind of 'learning' that is so much needed today. It's not only 'Teaching;' it's 'Reaching' into one's inner world of imagination, senses, and sensitivities in a way that PROCLAIMS truth (as in 'good Preaching,') from the depths of one's own lived experience and 'knowing' GOD-With/Within. Music, song, dance, art do this, too.
Thank you for sharing, Sally Ann, and for referring us to Ignatius' "Ad majoram Dei gloriam!" His most beautiful, truth-filled insight, "The glory-of-GOD is humanity fully alive," has long been one of my favorites.
And most assuredly today, for all that we now know and recognize, we would say, "The glory-of-GOD is All Creation fully alive ........ [in and with the Light and Love of CHRIST, ... Who Is ALL.]"
'God makes all things new!'
When painful suffering becomes our truest and wisest teacher, God is at-work-in-us making all things new.