Dear Parishioners,

At our recent Bible study, there was a reflection question that we had to pray over and I wanted to share it with you all today. The question was: Ask Jesus to help you imitate Him as your strive to live out this aspect of love this week. Then pray the words of St. Paul from 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, which can be seen as a hymn of love.

Now, as you may know, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 is one of the most popular passages in the Bible. It is often chosen in special occasions like funerals and weddings and it comes across differently in those contexts. In weddings, it reflects the kind of love that spouses ought to have for each other. At funerals, it is a reflection on the goodness of the person who just passed away. However, the way we read it as part of this Bible Study is a reflection of Christ’s love for us and how we respond to that love.

I invite you to reflect on each line of this famous passage in prayer. How have you lived it out in your life? How have you failed to live up to it? How has God shown this type of love to you? Read it like it is the first time you’ve read these words and ask the Holy Spirit to help you.

Love is patient and kind.

Love is not jealous or boastful.

It is not arrogant or rude.

Love does not insist on its own way.

It is not irritable or resentful.

Love bears all things.

Love believes all things.

Love hopes all things.

Love endures all things.

Today as we celebrate Palm Sunday, may we remember the love that God has for each one of us and how much He gives us. The grace of the passion was not cheap. It was bought by the blood of the only begotten Son of God and that is how much He loves us.

God Bless!

Fr. Carter

P.S. The Bible Study program is called “No Greater Love” by Ascension Press who also makes the Great Adventure Bible Study.