Love and life

What is life?

For some, it is having a good time or "making something of yourself."

For others, earthly life is just something one has to get through in order to reach the eternal life of heaven.

What is love?

For many, it is a warm feeling inside oneself.

Today's first reading (1 John 3:11-21) sets the record straight.

Real life - a life that continues from this world into the next - is inextricably connected with love of others, not just personal piety.

Love is manifested in deeds for the true good of others, not in one's own warm feelings.

Whoever does not love
remains in death.
Everyone who hates his brother
is a murderer,
and you know that no murderer
has eternal life remaining in him.

The way we came to know love
was that He laid down his life for us;
so we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.

If someone who has worldly means
sees a brother in need
and refuses him compassion,
how can the love of God remain in him?

Children,
let us love
not in word or speech
but in deed
and truth.