Today’s readings bring great messages of love and discipleship. In today’s first reading, I think that Paul sums it up best in verse 8 where he says “Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another.” I feel that this is a big challenge to us. Some days, I find it hardest to love my neighbor and others. I might be having a bad day and all I want to do is shut my door and be unavailable to others. It is on these days that I must make an extra effort to be open to those around me. All of the Commandments are wrapped up in this challenge that Paul gives us. By loving each other, we are following God, who loves each of us unconditionally.

For me, today’s Psalm shows us how we live out the love of each other that Paul talks about. Psalm 112 talks about standing up for justice, showing mercy, and giving generously. It is when we do these things that we are truly loving others. This reminds me of the several service trips I have been on throughout my time at Creighton. I have had the opportunity to spend time adding up to three weeks in a L’Arche community in Clinton, IA. This is a community of mentally handicapped adults and their assistants who live with them and assist in their every-day living. I have never experienced a community of more loving, generous, and merciful people. We were lovingly accepted into their home and were quickly no longer guests, but part of their community. It was a very simple way, but it was very genuine. We must remember that we do not have to be lavish in what we do for others; as long as it is genuine and comes from the heart; we are following God’s call.

Luke’s Gospel today ties the themes of love and service together into our call to follow Christ. Jesus reminds us that following Him is not always the easiest path. If we are to follow him, we must be willing to follow with all of our hearts. Many times, I find myself “putting off” God’s call. I find myself saying, “Yes, God, I’ll follow you, but only after I do…” Jesus calls us to prioritize our lives and to put God before anything else. It is when we do this that we are truly loving and serving God and one another.

Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another.