Loving yourself is the first step to loving others.
The news is always telling us stories of harm and hatred, and it makes me think about the importance of parenting and family unity through prayer. Jesus said to “love your neighbor as yourself, meaning the first step is to love yourself, as a child of God.
Nelson Mandela said as he was released from prison, he knew if he didn’t leave his hatred and bitterness behind, he would still be in a prison. Life is a freedom of choice we need to make every day in response to both joyful as well as bitter experiences. Only if we can move on does the commandment to love make sense.
How do we show our love and care to our families? Do we respect and understand them?
Almighty God, we pry we become living flames of your divine love so that we may share that holy love with our families and our neighbors.
For additional reading: Today’s Readings: The Greatest Commandment
