What “Loving Others” Means

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Reading I: 1 Samuel 3:3b-10, 19
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 40:2, 4, 7-8, 8-9, 10
Reading II: 1 Corinthians 6:13c-15a, 17-20
Gospel: John 1:35-42

We began the Ordinary Season in our Liturgical Calendar immediately after the feast of the Baptism of Our Lord. It is the longest season, for it usually lasts 33 weeks and occasionally 34 weeks. On this second Sunday in Ordinary Time, the first two disciples to follow Jesus according to the gospel of St John were Andrew and traditionally John, son of Zebedee, even though John is not mentioned specifically by name. Both Andrew and John are disciples of John the Baptist. When John the Baptist points out Jesus, these two begin to follow Him. As they were following Him, Jesus asked them, “What are you looking for?” The question of Jesus was answered by a question, “Rabbi, where do you live?” And when they finally came to see where Jesus was, they decided to stay with him, that is, to remain with him that day, and we can now say, the rest of their days.
Andrew, one of those who sought Jesus and stayed with him later on shared his experience, “we have found the Messiah!” He goes on to teach what finding Jesus means. Good news is not to be kept. News is shared, proclaimed, broadcasted. So, Andrew shared everything about Jesus to Peter. He brought Peter to Jesus and the rest is history. This by the way is also what “loving others” means. To love others is to share with them the good that we have discovered.

At the end of this year, let us remind ourselves that our families are called to be holy, that is, whole and integral. We are to mirror the Holy Family of Nazareth which, despite the adversities of life, remained intact and continued to trust in God’s Divine Providence, living in simplicity, solidarity, hospitality, commitment, mutual respect, self-giving and loving affirmation.

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