Keeping Love Alive

“Keeping Love Alive”: Reflection for Sunday, February 14, 2010, 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today’s Scripture: Jeremiah 17: 5-10; 1 Corinthians 15: 12-20; Luke 6: 17-26 can be read at www.usccb.org/nab.

Keeping Love Alive

Hearts, cards, perhaps a few extra chocolates, maybe even some beautiful flowers – all these signs of Valentine’s Day serve as visible reminders of love. But after Valentine’s Day, when the hearts, cards, and even the chocolates disappear and the flowers have died, love continues.
Like the “tree planted by water” mentioned in today’s first reading from Jeremiah, love continues even during the tough times of “summer heat or drought”,
Shown in the many small aspects of everyday life, love looks outward, rather than looking to acquiring more for oneself, and is seen in the many small touches brought to everyday life (Luke).
God's Word challenges us to look beyond a "happily-ever-after" version of love to a reality-based concept that acknowledges that love is shown in daily life (Luke).

To think about: How do I picture love?
What do I usually do when love meets hard times?
Where do I turn when I need love to be renewed or refreshed; do I turn to God, TV, popular culture?
Who are people in my life/ my family’s life who have helped love grow?
Do I notice and appreciate small signs of love in my life?
How do I encourage my child to show love?

To do: Notice and appreciate the small signs of love in your life.
Tell stories of people who helped you during difficult times - “times of drought”.
Thank someone who makes a difference by giving time and talent to helping others as a volunteer.
Show your child how to add love to life by learning a skill that helps others at home.
Take a few moments to turn to God and let God’s presence help your love “tree” grow.

To pray: “Open my heart, Lord; help me to love like you.”
Next week: 1st Sunday of Lent: Deuteronomy 26: 4-10; Romans 10: 8- 13; Luke 4: 1-13