As we age, they say we get set in our ways. We have developed a routine that has
worked for us, and through habit has become very easy to accomplish what needs to
be done. We can imagine how upsetting Jesus would have sounded to the Jews of his
day, when the observance of the exterior aspects of the law was the most important
part of their religion. His purpose was to show that love is the great motivator for all
prayer and action.
How does this apply to us today? We live in a world in which power expressed in
violence, in word, and action has almost become “normal.” Jesus wants us to give up
the notion that violence will accomplish what we are seeking. He wants us to search
for a better way. His life exemplifies the answer. It was the love of his father and the
doing of his father’s will that created a force and a movement that has lasted over
2,000 years. As our thinking becomes global, Jesus calls us to a love that goes beyond
our families, our communities, and extends to all of the peoples of the world. God
wants to give us a heart that is open and receptive, not limited to the routines of daily
life. With God’s grace, that expanded love can make a difference in the world.

• Do you find yourself more and more dependent on the routines in your life?

• Is Christ calling you to expand your vision of who and what you could love?

• How has Christ already helped you to reach out to others?

O God, let your love for me expand my love for all of your creation.