As I Loved You: Family Reflection Video

It's a beautiful spring day here, with warm temperatures. Yet our troubled world abounds in gun violence, murder, and war, making it difficult to see Jesus' command to love fulfilled. 

Even in difficult circumstances, people choose to live out this commandment of love by listening with care and concern and providing assistance when necessary.

8-year-old Ella Scott couldn't turn a blind eye to a homeless man. In an effort to help him, the young girl gave him her food. Dining at a California restaurant, Scott stood up from her table after noticing the man at the window, she took her plate of steak and potatoes outside to offer it to the hungry, homeless man. 

Ledwin cared for her nephews and nieces despite her meager salary. She nursed them, guided them, and watched them grow, to ease her sickly brother's burdens. 

To save his weekly allowance, Jake walked to school a few days a week. From these savings, he bought his mom a single-burner gas stove. “Mama, you don't have to wake up so early to build a fire for your porridge and coffee," he said. 

Dr. Uday Modi brings free food to the elderly abandoned by their children. The service, which runs in Bhayandar, Mumbai, feeds 500 people daily! 

The Associated Press photographer, Dar Yasin, made headlines after he threw away his camera, and maybe a perfect opportunity for a prize-winning photograph, to save a girl injured in stone pelting in Kashmir, India. 

A marathon runner in London, Matthew Rees, helped an exhausted competitor, David Wyeth, cross the finish line that considerably increased his run time. 

Kiersten Miles, 22, of New Jersey, recently donated part of her liver to Talia, a toddler she babysits. Miles very generously offered to donate her organ, saving Talia's life. Without a transplant, Talia would not have survived. 

These are just a few real examples of the gospel message today.  I am sure you can find many more examples of this kind in your life and in the people around you. There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for others!  

The phrase "love one another" from the Lord has 3 different meanings for us to think about.  

1. The statement is a command, not a request, invitation, or option. Therefore, complete obedience to this command is necessary. We are obligated to follow the command to love one another without any alternative. A Christian who says, "I cannot love this person. I will only love another person," contradicts himself/herself. 
2. Furthermore, the Lord commands us to "love one another”. "He never mentioned loving each other only when young, healthy, and beautiful. He did not say, "Love one another only when you are not angry anymore.” Or "Love one another when the other has stopped offending you." The Lord's commandment to love one another has no conditions or limitations attached. 
3. Thirdly, the Lord says, "Love one another as I have loved you." The Lord did not say, "Love one another as they love you." Our standard of love is different from the love we have received or seen in the media. Our standard for love is not the love we see in others. Our standard for love is the love we experience from the Lord Himself. The love of the Lord who died on the cross for you. 

The greatest thing in life is to extend a helping hand and show compassion to another human. Whether it's offering your love or time or money, the waves of good deeds reach out far and wide, creating ripples of positive change.  

May your love create ripples of positive change today in people you meet today. 

• Today’s readings

• Father Boby's inspirational homily was recorded live this morning during Mass at the Father Peyton Center. Please view the video on our Facebook page. (You don't need a Facebook account to view.) 

• To view Rosary prayer and Mass streaming live, please visit our Facebook page at 11:30 am Eastern, Monday – Friday. Please invite your loved ones to join us too! (You don't need a Facebook account to view.)