With Valentine's day just past, this week's gospel is a timely reminder of the true meaning of LOVE. Many people confuse the concept of Romantic Love, butterflies in the tummy love, emotional love as a sign of true love. Perhaps it is time to change the meaning of the word “love.”

The word is mostly used according to the first definition given in the dictionary: “an intense feeling of deep affection.” In other words, love is what one feels.

We would have a healthier conception of love if we understood that love, like parenting or friendship, is a feeling that expresses itself in action. What we really feel is reflected in what we do.

Jesus is the reason we even know what love is. In laying down His life for us, He taught us everything we need to know about true love. Love is self-sacrificing, generous, unending, not a temporary feeling or attraction. Because of God's love for the world, we know love is also undeserving and often unreciprocated.

In this week's gospel, Jesus states- “I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You’ll never – I promise – regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives towards us, generously and graciously, even when we’re at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind”. Luke 6: 35 – 36

Jesus calls us to return hate with love and to detach from our possessions. The world ought to be a judgement-free zone. Of course it’s easy to love the people in our friendship groups, those we hang out with and who enjoy our company. But what about the person who annoys me? But what about those who have genuinely hurt me or others? This is where Jesus’ call becomes more complicated. Being bothered by someone is one thing. Being the victim of hurt is different. Are we really supposed to love that person? If so, what does that love look like so that both parties can be healthy and safe?

The message revealed in this week’s Gospel (a newsflash for the early Christians!) is to: Love your enemies and do good to them, and lend expecting nothing back; then your reward will be great” (Lk 6: 35).

This statement challenges societal norms in a way that seems impossible. How can you forgive those who harm you or your family? Casting judgment is a common occurrence. If we spend the time meditating on this sentence we could save a lot of wasted time worrying over what we cannot control. Brooding over others’ shameful acts does not bring mercy to our world. However, prayer, understanding, supporting, and compassionate actions can create ripple effects through family, community, city, nation, and world. A central commandment to: “Do to others as you would have them do to you” (Lk 6: 31) is a foundation of True Love, as is Jesus' most significant commandment to: "Love one another as I have loved you". (John 13:34)

Upholding the life and dignity of the human person, a central theme of Catholic social teaching, can be challenging. Yet this is exactly what Jesus asks us to do, and what better example than to give up His life for those He loved!

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