love-filled or loveless?
“We have come to know and to believe in the love God has for us. God is Love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.” —1 John 4:16
Jesus invites us to come to Him (Mt 11:28). He is the most attractive Person ever to walk the earth. He draws all people to Himself (see Jn 12:32). Jesus is not merely loving; He is Love (1 Jn 4:8, 16). We are drawn to let ourselves be loved by Love — by Jesus, God Who is Love. How unimaginable and mysterious to be loved by Love Himself!
Though we are attracted to the God-Man Who is Love, we are naturally afraid. “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Heb 10:31). He loved us by being crowned with thorns, shedding His blood, and hanging on the cross. We are naturally afraid to be loved by crucified Love. If we accept His love, this will necessarily change everything in our lives, and we will live in Love and Love in us (see 1 Jn 4:16).
We hesitate to let Love love us. Yet this is the opportunity of a lifetime. This is all that we have ever hoped for — and more, much more. We want to run to Jesus; we want to run away from Him. Love draws us; selfishness paralyzes us. What will we decide? Some walk away sad into a comfortable, loveless life (see Mt 19:22). Others plunge into the ocean of God’s love. What will you do with Love today and forever?
Prayer: Sacred Heart of Jesus, I put my trust in You.
Promise: “Come to Me, all you who are weary and find life burdensome, and I will refresh you.” —Mt 11:28
Praise: “I kept careful watch, and not one of them was lost” (Jn 17:12). Lord Jesus, we entrust ourselves to Your Sacred Heart. Grant us the grace of final perseverance.
Reference: (For a related teaching on our Lord’s Sacred Heart, order, listen to, or download our CD 19-1 or DVD 19 on our website.)
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