Comments on: Friday, May 24, 2019 – Love one another!

By: Skip

Skip — Sat, 25 May 2019 12:54:13 +0000

Bob & Chris, thank you for your feedback, I do appreciate it.

By: Bob Burford

Bob Burford — Fri, 24 May 2019 22:20:20 +0000

Chris and Skip- no one expects us to be a “doormat’ to neighbor. Jesus never said loving one another was going to be easy or peaceful. My prayer is that you through God’s grace arrive at peace with your neighbor. Trying is all we can do. My prayer today is for all military personnel, police, first responders, and neighbors who are not easy to love. Have a great Memorial Day weekend.

By: A

Fri, 24 May 2019 16:42:58 +0000

Skip, absolutely it’s fine to love them, but not like them or what they do. It has been mentioned on this site a few times that you can love them as a Christian (I believe the Greek word is agape, as opposed to philos [love of friends] and eros [sexual love], but please correct me if I’m wrong). This kind of love means that you want what is best for them, you hope and pray that good things happen to them. But you don’t have to like them.

I think of it as more of a cerebral/mental love than an emotional love.

Bob, love the description of your ti.e in Ireland, I have no doubt it was “magical,” as you put it. Also, what wonderful, practical ways to show love! Sometimes I find that reflections (including here) are so theoretical that they lack practical suggestions. A common one is “evangelize!” Yes, but how? Practical applications of the theory are always welcome. Thank you, Bob!

By: Skip

Skip — Fri, 24 May 2019 15:58:32 +0000

Bob, very good reflection. I too in my life find it hard to love my self let alone my neighbor. I try to keep my mouth shut instead of lashing out at others but it still plays on my mind and heart. Is it possible to love your neighbor but not like them and how they act and behave? Empathy is definitely one of my weakest vertue.
Have a nice Memorial Day weekend. Remember to pray for all those who put their life on the line protecting us from danger.
God bless.

By: Chris

Chris — Fri, 24 May 2019 14:58:36 +0000

As I contemplated the readings/psalms, I picked up in the first reading that the “whole church” made concessions to the church in Antioch because some had disturbed the Antioch community’s peace of mind. The issue had to do with circumcision. Out of love for the community, a decision was made that the gentiles would not be subject to this mutilation. This had to be a huge concession for the Jewish (Christian) community. Out of love for our neighbours, we too are called to make concessions, even if we disagree. The Psalm follows with a song of praise and thanksgiving. At first I thought this odd, but then I thought, yes, makes sense because when you are given a tremendous gift (as the gentiles were given) it is only natural to break out into a song of praise and thanksgiving.

In the Gospel, there are three themes “I have chosen you” “Go and bear fruit” “Love one another”. What an honour it is to be chosen by the Master, (including in the secular frame of reference). Once we accept the invitation (as in Confirmation), it is expected that we are diligent about keeping the commandments ‘love God, love your neighbour’. As with many Christians, I find that very difficult to do, even with those I love – hmmm! Which brings to mind that Jesus said we have to turn the other cheek. So if my neighbour (or the one I love) disturbs my peace of mind, what should I do if my neighbour or the one I love refuses to comprise – I must turn the other cheek, in essence ‘suck it up!’ which is what I am having to do presently. The issue is a simple one which doesn’t adversely affect my neighbour, in fact doesn’t affect him at all. I want to keep the peace, in this tiny storm, so I have asked God to help my neighbour have a change of heart, if not, then help me to keep the peace by turning the other cheek. In the end, I hope and pray that this tiny incident will bear fruit, good fruit, abundant fruit, 30, 60, 100.

Have a great day, and Happy Memorial Day to our neighbours to the south.

God bless

By: Bertha Gonzalez

Bertha Gonzalez — Fri, 24 May 2019 14:12:35 +0000

Thank you Bob and God bless you and your family. I have been married 63 years. And have three daughters one son. Twelve grand children and 20 great grand children and another one coming in October god willing.
I love the Lord with all my heart and others as Jesus guide us to do. I write Spiritual Writings and share in Face Book my name is Bertha Gonzalez. We live in Califronia. i enjoyed your stay in Ireland.

By: Oma

Oma — Fri, 24 May 2019 12:56:04 +0000

Good day Bob!
I love your reflections for today’s gospel.
God bless u and Anna.

By: TM

TM — Fri, 24 May 2019 11:58:52 +0000

Bob,
Great story about trip to Ireland and how love for one another can show up in the most unlikely places.

Dear Anonymous with the son with mental illness.

I will be praying for you today. It can be very lonely to suffer with those with mental illness, but know you are not alone. God and prayers are with you today.