Jeremiah starts this first reading with God reminding him that, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.” Do we take time to realize how precious we are to God? Do we respect all those whom God has formed in the womb, realizing they are known to Him?
Paul takes all the gifts and blessings from God and dismisses them as dross when compared to Love. Do we take pride in our gifts and blessings without sharing Love?
Love is not a simple emotion but ultimately a way of life. A way of relating to God and to those around us. In another Gospel reading, Scripture states, (1 John 4:20)NIV “For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.”
Those listening to Jesus were amazed at his teaching yet rose up against him because he called a spade a spade. He didn’t pamper them with platitudes and tell them how wonderful they were. He told them work still needed to be done. How do we respond to those who try to guide us forward in God’s ways? Do we love enough to risk being rejected because of what our love calls us to be? and to do? and to say?
Countenance of God 