We “love” all sorts of things. We love a friend’s new hairdo. We love pistachio ice cream and travel to exotic places.

 

Many times, the word itself loses all real meaning. It’s like homemade chicken soup without the chicken and without the soup.

 

1 John 3:16–18 “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.”

 

The Divine Word helps us yet again. Here we learn that true love means doing for others. Get involved. Don’t just say you love your community. Show the community your love.

 

Cleanup projects, running errands for a shut-in, taking your niece to the movies because her mother is working two jobs…you know what to do. You know the opportunities.

 

Think you love those around you? Show them.

 

Let’s pray.

 

Lord, there is so much good to do in the world! Please show us opportunities every day, so that we put action to our words. Amen.