Reflection:

There are at least two practical ways to love others in our everyday lives. The first way, according to Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, “consists in bearing all our neighbours’ defects — not being surprised at their weakness but edified at their smallest virtues.” As God forgives and loves us, we can forgive and love ourselves for not being perfect. In doing so, we open ourselves to the possibility of loving others, despite their flaws and weaknesses.

The second way consists of doing just the smallest things possible to show our kindness to others. Saint Thérèse of Lisieux puts it so eloquently, “Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love.”

With the above practices of love, let us be reminded that faith, hope, and love are God’s precious gifts and the foundational virtues of our Christian lives. Let us, in faith, acknowledge that the Lord is bigger than our problems; in hope, see our future as being sustained by God’s blessings and grace; and in the love given by God, love ourselves and others rightly.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank you for your precious gifts of faith, hope, and love. May you enhance my ability to love, hope, and believe in a way that is pleasing to you every day of my life.