Sometimes it only takes one word to capture my attention and get me thinking. It happened this morning as I read the section of 1 PT 4 that was an optional reading for the Memorial of St. Angela Merici, an important saint in the religious order of Ursuline Sisters. (Her biography is definitely worth a read.)
Here is the quote: Beloved, be serious and sober-minded so that you will be able to pray. Above all, let your love for one another be intense, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.
Diving deeply into that statement makes me consider several things:
1. It doesn’t matter how imperfect I am, I’m still called to a deep and high love.
2. We can’t be judging each other because all of us are imperfect (what a relief!).
3. Since we’re gifted by God in various ways, our love will probably be expressed differently and uniquely to each other.
4. There’s lots more possible to find about love when we delve the word intense…
In addition, questions: What is my particular gift in the complex of different ways to love? How can I best reflect God in my love for “all God’s children?”
The Sophia Center for Spirituality 
Compassionate Focus ❣️
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