Today's first reading, from the 1st Letter of John, contains in its final chapter two verses that might help us at this time, Chapter 5, verses 3 and 4:
3 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome. 4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith.
Some history here will help. There are seven letter included in the New Testament. Written by several of the of the apostles, these writings are directed to the entire Church. Letters like those of St. Paul are directed to specific communities such as the Letter to the Romans or Letter to the Corinthians. In this particular letter, St. John, the John who composed the fourth Gospel, endeavors to be reassuring to his readers and hearers that "God is love."
" ... and this is the victory that has overcome the world -- our faith" may be a few words that one can take to quiet reflection. Asking if there is deep down in my heart a genuine desire to know fully what the love of God means for me in today's world can be an initial start for some time to see how strong my faith is. There is enough in that short collection of words to open up the opportunity to bring myself to God in prayer because I can always find something new from God if I stop to ask myself about the strength of my faith.
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