Unconditional Love
May 2, Memorial of Saint Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
Daily Readings: Acts 15: 7-21; John 15:9-11
The first reading exhibits that the love of God for the disciples and the Gentiles is the same. Through faith, God purifies their hearts. In order not to be astray from God, they need to follow the commandments of Moses by refraining from the pollution of idols, fornication, things strangled, and blood. The responsorial psalm continues to invite people to proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.
The Gospel for today shows the tremendous love of Jesus for his people. Whatever love is given by his Father, he is sharing it with others as long as they abide by it.
The love of a mother for her child is incomparable. From conception in the womb to the child's growing up, the mother's love is unparalleled. During pregnancy, the unborn child is dependent on the mother. It is the mother who supplies oxygen and nutrients to her unborn child through the placenta. If the mother is unhealthy, the child becomes sickly. The pregnant mother is always aware of her condition so that the baby is healthy. It does not stop there; mothers continue to take care of their children and look out for their welfare at all times.
Jesus' love for his people is akin to a mother's, who cares for her child's welfare, shields them from harm, loves them unconditionally, is willing to make sacrifices, and is always ready to forgive. The love of a mother for her child is unconditional, just like the love of God for his people.
Call to Action for Catholic Living: Let us develop the ability to love others as unconditionally as God loves us.
Lord Jesus, thank you for your unconditional love. Amen.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.