Tuesday 22nd May, 2012
St Rita of Cascia. Acts 20:17-27. Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth—Ps 67(68):10-11, 20-21. John 17:1-11.

  
Meditation: mp3 | podcast
Readings: Text | mp3 | podcast

A song written a few years ago had the words: ‘What the world needs now is love.’

As we look around us at the unhappiness and conflict that people impose upon each other, we must agree. The ideal of selfless love is clearly shown in both of today’s readings. ‘I do not place any value on my own life’, says Paul, ‘provided I complete the mission the Lord has given me.’ This mission, he tells them, will cost him his life, but he has no regrets. In the gospel we have Jesus’ prayer of farewell to his friends: his life is the price to be paid for their and our redemption, and he willingly pays it.

As Christians, we are asked for smaller sacrifices, but the motive is surely the same: love. Lord, you paid the ultimate price for love with your life. Teach me, in the life I have been given, not to be afraid to love, and not to be afraid of the pain that goes with it.