32nd Week in Ordinary Time (C) : Friday 11th November 2022

“Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord” (Ps 119.1b). Today we hear God’s law to love one another. When others see our mutual love, they proclaim, “See how they love one another!”

We know how challenging it is to obey and live this law wholeheartedly. It demands we speak the truth of God’s love in our lives and enact God’s love in the lives of others. We know this instruction from God, but we sometimes disobey it.

Consider this. Conservatives argue for family values, especially the sanctity of marriage. They love all who agree with them. Yet, they quickly condemn divorcees and LGBT persons as sinful and unworthy to be God’s family. They cannot love them in the same way. These conservatives do the right thing to insist on the good truth about God’s marriage and family law. Yet, they sin for failing to act according to God’s law, which demands mercy and justice for all peoples, especially the lost and the least. Are we like them in word and deed?

The readings demand that we examine how we live out God’s law, particularly in our relationships. We must because when the end times come, God will judge us on our love for one another. St Martin loved everyone the way Jesus teaches: “Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses it will save it.” Shall we live like this to become saints?

 O Jesus, teach me to love like You.