A WORD FOR TODAY 19 AUGUST 2022

*A WORD FOR TODAY*

*TWO SIDES OF LOVE, BUT ONE LOVE*

_“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law? And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind."(Matthew 22:36-37)_

_*In every communication that Jesus gave while on earth, He made His disciples to learn something that is valuable which will guide them in the course of their earthly existence.*_

_If you are truly a child of God who nourishes his or her soul everyday with God's word, you must always strive to learn something new from your meditation which will serve as a guide for you as you navigate through this earthly life that comes with different challenges._

_*Jesus responded to the question of the Pharisee who was a lawyer in such a way that His disciples also learnt from the truth He has taught them. The question bordered on which commandment is the greatest, and Jesus answered that Love is the greatest, but it must begin from God and extend to our neighbour.*_

_Our primary aim in life must be to love God who is love Himself and who has shown us what it means to love in His Son our Lord Jesus Christ. We must love Him with everything in us, our heart, soul and mind. We must never love any other god or thing more than we love Him._

_*The Love we have for God must visibly and practically move us to love our neighbour as we love ourselves. Infact, it is two sides of love, but one love. You cannot claim to love God, when you hate your brother or sister, it is only by loving your fellow human beings whom you see everyday that you will show that you love God who you cannot physically see.*_

_Our love must be sacrificial like that of Christ, He poured out His blood for all and He gave us salvation. We must love everyone and strive everyday to show people the face of God through our acts of love, kindness and goodness. In this way, we shall prove that we love God who is constantly looking out to see us do what is right and detest what is evil._

_*When you fail to love God and your neighbour, you will be like the dry bones mentioned in the first reading frim the prophecy of Ezekiel, no life, no vibe, no energy, no direction. You will need God's grace, Spirit and mercy to bring you back to life. Call upon the Lord today and He will restore you and you will begin to love again as you should.*_

_Good morning dearest one. Smile😊as you do your work and do have a beautiful weekend. May Jesus give you the grace to love Him and to love your neighbour sincerely. Amen. *And may the Almighty God bless you: the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.*_

*Meditation:* Ezekiel 37:1-14/Psalm 107:2-9/Matthew 23:34-40

*Watch-Word:* O give thanks to the Lord for He is good, for His mercy endures forever

*Love of God and neighbour is the greatest of the commandments. Do it and you will have eternal life.*

(Friday of the twentieth week in the ordinary time. Year II)

*© Rev. Fr. Augustine Eleke*