Loving Like God: The True Challenge of Lent

During this season we are faced with the key challenges Christians are called to embrace during Lent— . . .

. . . deepening our relationship with God through prayer, detaching from worldly comforts through fasting, and extending love to others through almsgiving. The scripture readings emphasize obedience to God’s commandments and radical love, especially the difficult commandment to love and pray for one’s enemies.

Jesus sets a higher standard—not merely to love those who love us, but to reflect God’s unconditional love. The text critiques the tendency to compare our moral behavior to others instead of striving for God’s perfection. Ultimately, we are reminded that in the end, we will be judged not by human standards, but by how well we loved as God loves.

The Homily tells us what we must do to truly become His children. Listen to

Loving Like God: The True Challenge of Lent

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Image:

God the Father and the Holy Spirit : Italian Artist: Pompeo Batoni: (l. 1708-1787)

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Gospel Reading: Matthew 5: 43-48

First Reading: Deuteronomy 26: 16-19

Verse Before the Gospel: 2 Corinthians 6: 2