IF NOT YOU, THEN WHO?
The command that Jesus gives us in the gospel today is among the hardest to execute: to love others who do not love us; to be light in the world when all we see is darkness. I remember a time in my life where the verse, “even sinners love those who love them,” totally convicted me. How often do I expect others to be the first one to choose the good, to take the higher road, while I wait to simply respond with love back? The answer was (and is) very often. As humans, we imitate what we see and how we are treated. Our greatest role-models are those who practice what they preach, those who show us what they think by how they live. When it comes to love, the examples of true love in our world may sometimes seem few and far between. Many of us have the tendency to isolate ourselves and remain absorbed in our personal concerns and duties, while love requires us to turn outward. While the obligations of a job and a family are important and necessary for a good life, it is easy to become totally lost in the details and to forget our “why” in life. Our “why” is love, to know that we are loved by God and to act like it.
This is one incredible way that Christianity breaks into our mundane reality. When we could see nothing but darkness, a seemingly pointless world and a short life in it, God became man to show us that there is more. Jesus not only reveals the truth which changes our lives, but he lives in a way that changes our lives. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, not simply its mouthpiece. When we had no example of perfect love, God gave us Himself, to show us how to live again.
Ideally, we have good friends and family who encourage us in our faith, who are good examples to us and us to them. But sometimes in life, we may lack this community and feel very alone in our faith. When it feels like you may be the only one fighting the fight, whether it be choosing justice in your workplace or striving for peace in your family, remember who Christ has said you are: “You are the light of the world… Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14,16). When there are few to show you how to love, look to Christ, and love the other first. When you have no strength, pray and then act; He will you give you the strength that you need. Be the first to love, to forgive, to stand up for justice, for Christ is your example and strength. If you do not love first, who will?
~Mary Therese Druffner, Discipleship Associate