Immediate Word

The primary theme of recent weeks continues, with a focus on the subject of love. First John compares it to a parent’s care, and asserts that our faith and the love it lifts up will “conquer the world.” Jesus summarizes his teaching for the disciples in our gospel text as loving one another. But as we repeatedly see in the headlines, it can often be very difficult to see concrete evidence of that love -- especially when the news media focuses its coverage on violence and natural disaster rather than the countless acts of love and kindness done in the midst of difficult circumstances.