Knowing as friends

The texts today form the Roman Catholic Lectionary show the importance of example to those who are seeking to grow in their understanding of God. The declaration that God is Love is true. Our experience of God is the way we come to discover the nature of that Love. Andy Alexander, S.J cites the profound words of St. Augustine: "Oh Lord, our God, you made us for yourself and our hearts are restless until they rest in you!". Our experience of searching for understanding may resonate with Augustine through the rest from tension or fear or loneliness which we can recall in our journey. The challenge of the faithful to be examples to others of the Love we have experienced is the invitation of the commandment of Jesus in the Gospel of John today. Friar Jude Winkler explains the warnings of the Council of Jerusalem to the Gentile followers of the Way in Antioch as important so that the followers of Jesus not give examples to the population which might be misinterpreted as sexual or ritual impurity. The measure of the Love of God in Jesus laying down His Life for us is example of how we are to love others. This preference for the good of the other over our own desires and passions develops by prayerfully making each opportunity to lay down a little of our life and preference for the other. Our viewpoint of the other is inspired by the Holy Spirit to align more with Jesus example, Who sees them as worthy of laying down life itself. Our daily challenge to die to ourselves and be Christ in the world is the source of the joy which Pope Francis reminds us accompanies those walking in life with Jesus.