The Path of true love


5 January


John 1:43-51

It seems that the Filipinos are preoccupied with themes of love, kilig, hugot lines, and forever.  But for love to be authentic, it should root itself in God who is love.

St. John the Evangelist never failed to express Jesus' commandment:  "Love one another as I have loved you."  This love encapsulates all loves.  Love becomes not a sentiment but a commitment.  Love is an active verb that mirrors the very heart of God.

The call of Philip is a call to love by which we can learn from.   Let's reflect on the story.

First, the invitation to love.  Jesus said, "Follow me."  Philip responded to Jesus' invitation.  He might have doubts; nevertheless, he followed.  Would we do the same?  Or would we rather lose the opportunity to love authentically as Jesus loves?

Second, deepening love.  "Could anything good come out of Nazareth?"  Nathaniel asked.  The question may connote insult to Nazareth given its bad reputation.  Nevertheless, it could be seen in a positive light:  all persons are worth loving because there is a tinge of goodness in them, even the seemingly most despicable person.  Unless that person embraced evil, we are all given the opportunity to let love blossom by an unconditional acceptance of the other.  How much more if through the experience, we might see the living Jesus?  He said, "You will see greater things than that", pointing to himself as the Son of God.

Third, the commitment to love.  Philip and Nathaniel followed Jesus; their lives were never the same again.  We are all geared to sainthood, the perfection of God's love in all of us.  By this, married persons, priests and religious, and the single blessed are brought to perfection by the love in their hearts.  Commit to love as Jesus loves.

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