LOVE NEVER TIRES OF LOVING
“But while [the son] was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion…” – Lk. 15:20
The love of Jesus Christ lasts forever; it has no end because it is the very life of God. This love conquers sin and gives [one] the strength to rise and begin again, for through forgiveness the heart is renewed and rejuvenated. We all know it: our Father never tires of loving, and his eyes never grow weary of watching the road...to see if the son who left and was lost is returning. We can speak of God’s hope: our Father expects us always; he doesn’t just leave the door open to us, but he awaits us. He is engaged in waiting for his children.
And this Father also does not tire of loving the other son who, though staying at home with him the whole time, does not share in his mercy, in his compassion. God is not only at the origin of love, but in Jesus Christ he calls us to imitate his own way of loving: “as I have loved you, you also love one another” (Jn. 13:34) … Love cannot bear being locked up in itself. By its nature it is open, it spreads and bears fruit, it always kindles new love.
How do I show love to those close to me and to those whom I do not know?
Father, give me a love that is patient and strong, willing to sacrifice for the other, and unafraid to make itself vulnerable.
Pope Francis