First Reading (1 John 4:7-16)
Reading from the First Letter of Saint John.
Dear friends, let us love one another, because love comes from God, and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. This is how God’s love was made manifest among us: He sent his only Son into the world, so that we might have life through him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God. If we love one another, God remains in us and his love is made perfect in us. And this is proof that we remain in him and he in us, because he has given us his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father sent his Son as the Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love: whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.
– The word of the Lord.
– Thanks be to God.
Gospel (John 11,19-27)
Proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John.
— Glory to you, Lord.
At that time, many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them for their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus had come, she went to meet him. Mary remained seated in the house. Then Martha said to Jesus, Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even so, I know that God will give you whatever you ask. Jesus answered her, Your brother will rise again. Martha said, I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day. Then Jesus said, I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, even though he dies, will live. And whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this? She answered, Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.
— Word of the Savior.
— Glory to you, Lord.
Reflecting the Word of God
My brothers and sisters in Christ, today we celebrate the depth of God’s love for us and how that love manifests itself in our lives and relationships. Our readings guide us on a path of deeper understanding of that love and how it should transform our lives. Let’s begin by diving into today’s first reading, from the first letter of Saint John.
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love has not known God, for God is love” (1 John 4:7-8). What a powerful statement! Love is not just a characteristic of God; it is the very essence of who He is. God is love, and everything He does is motivated by that love. How can we understand and live this truth?
Let’s imagine God’s love as a vast ocean. This ocean is infinite, deep, and full of life. We are like little boats sailing on this ocean, moved by the currents of divine love. When we experience God’s love, we are transformed and called to share that love with others.
St. John continues: “In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that he sent his only Son into the world, that we might have life through him” (1 John 4:9). God demonstrated His love in a tangible way by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to live among us, die for our sins, and rise again, offering us eternal life. This is the greatest act of love the world has ever known.
Let us now turn to the Gospel of John, where we find one of the most moving stories in the New Testament: the resurrection of Lazarus. When Jesus arrives in Bethany, Martha goes out to meet Him and says, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask of God, He will give you” (John 11:21-22). Martha expresses a deep and confident faith, even in the midst of the grief of losing her brother.
Jesus responds to Martha with a statement that echoes through the centuries: “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me, though he die, yet shall he live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26). Jesus is not only promising a future resurrection, but He Himself is the resurrection and the life. In His presence, death does not have the final word.
Martha responds with faith: “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God who is to come into the world” (John 11:27). Her faith is an example for us all. Even in the midst of pain and sorrow, she recognizes Jesus as the Savior, the one who brings life where there is death and hope where there is despair.
How do these passages apply to our lives today? First, we are called to love one another as God loves us. This love must be practical, visible, and constant. It is not enough to talk about love; we must demonstrate it through our actions. Consider how we can be instruments of God’s love in our families, communities, and the world. Perhaps it is through an act of kindness, offering forgiveness, or simply being present for someone in need.
Let’s consider the example of a lit candle. A single candle can illuminate a dark room, but when many candles are lit, the light spreads and the darkness is dispelled. We are those candles, called to spread the light of God’s love in a world often filled with darkness and despair.
Second, we are called to have unshakable faith in Jesus, just as Martha did. When we face times of loss, suffering, and doubt, we can trust that Jesus is the resurrection and the life. He walks with us through our difficulties and offers us hope and new life.
Imagine a garden that has been through a storm. The flowers may be damaged and the soil may be soggy, but over time, under the care of the gardener, the garden will flourish again. Jesus is our gardener, caring for us, healing our wounds, and helping us to flourish even after life’s storms.
God’s love is not just an abstract theory; it is a life-changing reality. Consider the story of St. Francis of Assisi, who left a life of wealth and privilege to follow Christ and serve the poor. His love for God and others was so great that he inspired many to do the same. His example shows us that true love for God leads us to action, to sacrifice, and to serve.
Now, let’s reflect on our own lives. How can we be more like St. Francis? Where can we demonstrate God’s love in our daily actions? Maybe it’s helping a neighbor, visiting the sick, or simply being more patient and understanding with those around us.
Let’s also consider the depth of our faith. How can we strengthen our trust in Jesus, especially in times of difficulty? The answer is found in prayer, in reading Scripture, and in participating in the sacraments. As we draw closer to God, our faith is strengthened and we are empowered to face any challenge with hope and courage.
My brothers and sisters, as we leave here today, let us remember the words of Saint John: “God is love.” May we live this truth in our daily lives, loving one another with the love that comes from God. And may we, like Martha, have unshakable faith in Jesus, the resurrection and the life. May our faith and love be a shining light in the world, drawing others into God’s transforming presence.
Let us now take a moment of silence to reflect on these words. Let us close our eyes and ask God to show us how we can love more deeply and trust more fully in His Son, Jesus Christ.
Lord, we thank You for Your infinite love and the faith that sustains us. Help us to love as You love and to trust You in all circumstances. May we be instruments of Your love and light in the world. Amen.
As we leave here today, may we take with us the assurance that we are deeply loved by God and called to love others with that same love. May our faith in Jesus give us hope and strength in every circumstance. And may we be light and salt in the world, reflecting God’s goodness, justice, and love in all that we do. Amen.
