a new outlook on people
"The love of Christ impels us who have reached the conviction that since one died for all, all died." —2 Corinthians 5:14
Because:
- God became man to die for every human being (2 Cor 5:14-15),
- every person is called to be baptized into His death (see 2 Cor 5:14; Rm 6:3),
- every person can receive a new nature (see 2 Cor 5:17) and live no longer for themselves but for Jesus (2 Cor 5:15), and
- Jesus was raised from the dead for our sakes (2 Cor 5:15),
"we no longer look on anyone in terms of mere human judgment" (2 Cor 5:16).
Previously, we had respected all human beings because all are created in the image and likeness of God (Gn 1:26-27). Now we reverence all human persons (see 1 Pt 2:17) in a much greater way because God has become a human being to save us by dying for us on the cross and by rising from the dead. God has even decided to offer us a share in His divine nature through Christ (2 Pt 1:4). Amazingly, He has made it possible for us to live in Him and He in us through Baptism (Rm 6:3) and the Eucharist (Jn 6:56). God obviously loves human beings eternally, perfectly, infinitely, and unconditionally. Let us love every human being accordingly.
Prayer: Father, may I love people so much that I will be a witness for the risen Christ, as Mary Magdalene was.
Promise: "I found Him Whom my heart loves." —Sg 3:4
Praise: St. Mary Magdalene accepted God's grace to stand before her dying Lord and joyfully received His abundance on Easter morn.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape on Love on audio AV 58-1 or video V-58.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, December 4, 2001
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 10, 2001