Whoever says he is in the light, yet hates his brother, is still in the darkness.
Whoever loves his brother remains in the light, and there is nothing in him to cause a fall.
Whoever hates his brother is in darkness; he walks in darkness and does not know where he is
going because the darkness has blinded his eyes. 1 Jn 2: 9-11
Upon reading today’s first reading, this commandment rings constantly in my head: “love your neighbour as yourself” Mt 22:39. Seems simple enough, doesn’t it?
Although we know this, it’s so hard sometimes to live it out everyday; to treat others the way we would like to be treated, to love each other unconditionally. It is so easy for us to hold grudges against others who have wronged us or hurt us. We let the hurt and the pain blind us from seeing the person that right in front of us, from seeing Christ in that person.
Why Lord, is it easier for me to love my “neighbour”, strangers, friends and those around me, than my “brother” or sister or family? Is it the history? The petty arguments growing up? The hurt and resentment I’m clinging to? Why can’t I just see that we are all made in your image and treasure that?
In the spirit of Christmas, let us all embrace the love of Christ and love each other regardless of the past but focus on the present and the future.
Lord, let your love take away our blindness and allow us to see You in all your people.
reflected Ylan Nguyen
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