What Christian Love Is ♥

"True Christian love is generous and tangible," says Fr. Ruper Solis, SVD.

He further explained what it means in his homily.

Generous.

Loving is giving. We cannot love without giving. But giving is not necessarily loving. Because one can give without actually loving.

Speaking of sincere giving, I have learned time and again that it is truly in giving that we receive. The one who gives more, receives more.

Just this afternoon, I decided to pay half of my office mate's merienda. Wala na kasi siyang barya. After he had eaten, he went out and came back with this, saying, "Mas masarap yan (baked ziti) pag may kasamang ganito."

Dahil "special" daw ako. :D

I noticed the message on the wrapper: "May pasobra dahil special ka!"

Loving is giving generously, sincerely, cheerfully! :)

Also a week ago, I gave macaroni salad (which I personally made) to Kuya Elmer and Kuya Edward (guards on duty). Two days after, Kuya Elmer knocked on our door and gave me this:

Toasted pastillas, in exchange of the macaroni salad. :)

Truly, God can never be outdone in generosity. The more you give, the more you will be given. The more you love, the more you will be loved. (Well, not always with human love. But with God's love, YES!) ♥

Tangible.

Love is not only expressed in words but in concrete actions. Fr. Ruper used Eat Bulaga's Kalye Serye as an example. Alden and Maine often exchange messages and sweet nothings but Alden goes beyond writing words. When Maine got sick, he sent her fruits and flowers. He was even willing to accomplish the tasks set by Lola Nidora. All for the love of Maine. :)

Today's Gospel gives a beautiful example of what true Christian love is:

A man fell victim to robbers as he went down from Jerusalem to Jericho. They stripped and beat him and went off leaving him half-dead.

A priest happened to be going down that road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side.

Likewise a Levite came to the place, and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side.

But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight.
He approached the victim, poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them.

Then he lifted him up on his own animal, took him to an inn and cared for him.

The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper with the instruction, 'Take care of him. If you spend more than what I have given you, I shall repay you on my way back.' (Luke 10:30-35)

The Samaritan was moved with compassion. He acted and treated the man with mercy, lifted him up, took him to an inn, cared for him, spent for him. He was generous of his time and treasure, and he expressed his love in concrete actions.

Jesus also showed us the perfect Christian love by giving His all, His whole life, for our salvation. He was the ultimate expression of the Father's unconditional, merciful love for all of us, unworthy sinners that we are.

During the Prayers of the Faithful, we respond: Lord, let us be courageous in love. With the grace of God, and with the examples of Joseph, Mary, Jesus, the prophets, the saints, and the holy people who have gone ahead of us, may we truly be able to love - generously, and in concrete ways! ♥

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