Father Michael's Weekly Reflection

"Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love." (1 Jn. 4:8)

This is the Sixth Sunday of Easter.  In Christianity there are not many ideas, however the central ones are so important that we cannot get them wrong.  Charity is the queen of all virtues. Different saints have given heroic witness in the practice of specific virtues. Saints such as Mother Teresa, Maximillian Kolbe and Vincent de Paul especially shine in their practice of love.

We might not have big moments to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters but we have many small moments every day.  We all seek happiness in our lives.  If our main concern was to make those around us happy we would find it.  The Pope gives us some words that enlighten this idea:  "Rivers do not drink their own water; trees do not eat their own fruit; the sun does not shine on itself and flowers do not spread their fragrance for themselves.  Living for others is a rule of nature.  We are all born to help each other.  No matter how difficult it is...Life is good when you are happy; but much better when others are happy because of you."

Questions for Reflection: 

• Do I understand that there is more joy in giving than in receiving? 
• Do I practice charity where it is most difficult, at home? 
• Do I look to Christ on the cross as the supreme example of what true charity is?