Day 6, Simbang Gabi: 21 December

Put love in that gift!

Luke 1:39-45

If we are are to be molded as God's Christmas gifts to others, then we better put a dash of love in that gift.  And real love can only be possible if a person has a firm and unconditional love for Jesus himself.

This is the very heart of Christianity.  And Jesus says, "Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me." (Matt. 10, 37)

The reason we have not love Jesus enough is because we treat him only as a functional God; a God who fits our needs.

The readings help point out that a relationship with God would be more that of lovers. There is excitement in being with the beloved.  There is unconditional acceptance of the beloved; not one who should fit our picture.  When we expect that the other should fit our requirements before we can love them, that is not true love.  The person simply becomes an image of our distorted ego.

Loving also is like Mary, setting out in haste to cater to her cousin Elizabeth.  To love, one should totally lose oneself to serve the other.  In loving, you don't get to choose whom to love.  The best sign of love is loving the last, the least, and the lost.

Finally, is like Elizabeth, always quick to recognize the hand of the Lord at work.  A loving person is a thankful person.

For a person who loves, like those who believe, no explanation is necessary; but for a person who does not love, no explanation is possible.