the multiplier effect of love
"Beloved, if God has loved us so, we must have the same love for one another." —1 John 4:11
St. John Neumann, at the age of forty-one, reflected God's love for others (1 Jn 4:11), and took to heart the Lord's command to go and teach all nations (see Mk 16:15). As bishop of Philadelphia, he reorganized the existing parochial school system into a diocesan one, and the number of pupils increased by almost twentyfold shortly thereafter. St. John Neumann could testify that God's love is brought to perfection in us (1 Jn 4:12) when we give our "all" to bring His Kingdom to a disordered world.
When we, out of love, give all that we have (Lk 21:4) to obtain Jesus our Treasure (Mt 13:44), we will receive the resources, both physical and spiritual, to accomplish Christ's objectives (see e.g. Eph 1:3; Phil 4:19).
When we have our lives in a right order, a godly order, when we receive and obey our instructions from Christ, Jesus multiplies our faith (see Mt 25:29). Then He multiplies our works done in obedience and love. This is as He has told us: whoever "has faith in Me will do the works I do, and greater far than these" (Jn 14:12).
Therefore, love one another as God has commanded (1 Jn 4:11). Lovingly give Jesus your all. "Serve the needs of all" (Mk 10:44) and see Jesus multiply your deeds of love (Mt 13:33).
Prayer: Father, give me the grace to die to my selfish agenda and work for You and You alone.
Promise: "If we love one another God dwells in us, and His love is brought to perfection in us." —1 Jn 4:12
Praise: St. John Neumann lovingly gave his all to God and saw his works multiplied in building a greater foundation for the Church in America.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Richard Walling, July 7, 2004
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 19, 2004