Wednesday after Epiphany : 8th January 2025

Our love is perfect only when the Triune God becomes the centre of our relationship. God the Father, through the Son, shows us what perfect love is like, and the Holy Spirit is given to us to help us love others in the same way we are loved by God in Christ Jesus. When a relationship is devoid of God, it becomes a mere transaction for entitlement instead of sacrifices. It will gradually slide into the slippery slope of manipulation, abuse, despair and vindictive sinful attitude to maintain the relationship.

We see many facets of this sacrificial love in the life of Jesus towards His disciples and the crowds. He satisfied their basic hunger for food from the little they had. He sent the disciples ahead without being overly burdened by the crowd while He remained behind a little longer. Jesus’ love of the Father is intimate and He spared time for solitude in prayer. Even from afar, Jesus saw the disciples struggling to row their boat in the stormy night. He came near them by walking on water, a clear assurance that He is the Son of God. In the most terrifying situation, He gave His assuring presence and closeness. “Do not be afraid, it is I.” Then everything is calm. Hence, we simply must trust the Lord of all providence and creation.

Dear Lord, to love You is to imbibe Your way of loving. Help us to love without fear and to give others the best we can since we receive the best from You.