Remain in My Love

"Why, then, are you now putting God to the test by placing on the shoulders of the disciples a yoke that neither our ancestors nor we have been able to bear? On the contrary, we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they." Acts 15:10-11

If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and remain in his love. "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete." John 15:10-11

Piety

Love first. First love. Jesus, help me be the first to love so that I might also learn how to willingly accept the love that others offer to me. Help me make my first reaction to others a reaction of love, not judgment. A word of kindness, not disappointment. A gesture of respect, not disapproval. Help me to give up any trappings of power and influence that I may have so that we are all treated equally in your eyes. Amen.

Study

http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/042408.shtml

Throughout our lives, we seek approval. From our parents and siblings first. Then from our friends, teachers and principals. Then others who have authority over us. Maybe you have even reached a position in life where people might shower you with gifts and praise in hopes of winning a special contract from you.

Who has not considered that putting the bumper sticker on your car that says "I support the Police Benevolent Association" might not get some favors when pulled over for pushing the speed limit or rolling through that stop sign? Maybe you thought complimenting your principal on that horrid tie he was wearing will get you favorable treatment in case you are caught without a hall pass or violating the dress code? Or did you support your boss' favorite charity or political action committee in hopes that the next promotion might come your way a little sooner? We live in a culture where "one hand" washes the "other hand." If you scratch my back, I'll scratch your right back.

Jesus turns the table on the prevailing cultural norms from Palestine to Poughkeepsie. His formula is "I wash your feet and you let me wash your feet." The only reciprocity he seeks is the reciprocity of love. If you want to be happy, don't worry about the laws in Leviticus. Worry about the two laws of love. Love God. Love Neighbor.

It doesn't matter if someone is different from you. They could be from Mexico or Morocco. They could be a Democrat (gasp) or even a Republican(!). They might like the Second Vatican Council Reforms or might prefer the Mass in Latin. There are no conditions. We are asked to love unconditionally if we want to remain in God's good graces. Nothing more. Nothing less. How else will we ever become a community that is one, holy, catholic and apostolic?

There is one other big implication of those commandments. We have to be willing to accept love. Accept God's love as Abraham does on the path to slaughter his only son. Accept the love of our neighbors as Jesus does from Simon the Cyrene carrying his cross and Veronica wiping away the blood, sweat and tears in His eyes. It doesn't matter if you are getting gifts from smelly shepherds who have been out in the fields for weeks tending their flocks without showering or from kings who journeyed across the desert bearing expensive gifts. If God can accept love from everyone, we must as well. Everyone is invited to be saved by accepting the faith of Jesus Christ.

So, Peter, just sit down and take off your sandals. The water might be getting cold.

Action

(From http://www.usccb.org/sdwp/ALERT_HR2634.pdf)

Please consider joining the voices of the faithful in a Catholic Campaign against global poverty?

Urge Representatives to Support HR 2634, the Jubilee Act, to Relieve the Debt of Poor Countries!

The House of Representatives is considering Jubilee Act for Responsible Lending and Expanded Debt Cancellation of 2007 (HR 2634) which represents an essential next step in alleviating the crushing burdens of debt that plague many developing countries. The timing is significant since the Holy See has been a strong supporter of debt relief.

TAKE ACTION NOW! Call your Representative today and urge support for the Jubilee Act for Responsible Lending and Expanded Debt Cancellation of 2007 (HR 2634).

BACKGROUND: While major progress has been made in reducing poor country debt, a substantial number of the poorest countries continue to shoulder heavy debt burdens that draw precious government resources away from critical investments in health care, education, water and other sectors necessary to improve lives.

Many poor countries have seen their debts reduced through the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative that was adopted in 1996 and expanded in 1999 in response to successful advocacy by the global Jubilee 2000 movement, in which the Catholic Church played a major role. In the succeeding years, it became apparent that further efforts were required, and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has continued to make important contributions to the debt cancellation effort that offers new hope to some of the world's poorest and most forgotten people.

FINISHING THE JOB: The Jubilee Act for Responsible Lending and Expanded Debt Cancellation of 2007 (H.R. 2634) would extend debt cancellation to virtually all very poor countries that have, or develop, financial management systems to assure that debt relief savings are used to reduce poverty. On April 3, 2008, the House Financial Services Committee approved HR 2634. The next step is consideration by the full House of Representatives.

ACTION REQUESTED:

Encourage strong bipartisan support for passage of the Jubilee Act for Responsible Lending and Expanded Debt Cancellation of 2007. Call the Capitol Switchboard and ask to speak with your local Representative. Tell her or him to support HR 2634 when it comes up for a vote.