From The Bishop

The phrase, “Look at how they love one another,” is attributed to Tertullian who was an early Christian writer (155-240 AD) living in Carthage. He is quoting what he has heard from his pagan neighbours who were impressed by the love that Christians showed to others. In the Gospel for the Thirtieth Sunday of Ordinary Time, Jesus states: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” And, “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” It would appear that the early Christians tried to live this each day. What about today? Would people be drawn to us because of our love for God and one another? In the Second Reading, St. Paul tells the Thessalonians, “And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for in spite of persecution you received the word with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all believers in Macedonia and Achaia.” We are called to be Christian witnesses who inspire others. This is not always easy to do because we are sinners. Due to our human weakness, we can inflict many of the things mentioned in the First Reading upon one another. We can lack mercy and compassion. This is why we need to pray for the grace to love God and our neighbour. “Almighty ever-living God, increase our faith, hope and charity, and make us love what you command, so that we may merit what you promise.” (Collect)