Taking a less logical stance, I find reading 1 John very enjoyable.
We love, because he first loved us ἡμεῖς ἀγαπῶμεν, ὅτι αὐτὸς πρῶτος ἠγάπησεν ἡμᾶς (1 John 4:19).
It is very beautiful and true.
It is beautiful because it is a word for word translation, be it an English or Chinese translation.
It is true especially after I have finished my course paper on Fr. Karl Rahner's "anonymous Christians". Rahner introduced a concept called "supernatural existential" to show that the human nature in everyone of us has, before it was created, been transformed by the grace of God. God is love. Therefore out of love, He created us such that we are capable of accepting Love. It is necessary for God to transform our being in such a way that we are capable of accepting Love and thus of loving. Q.E.D.
We love, because he first loved us ἡμεῖς ἀγαπῶμεν, ὅτι αὐτὸς πρῶτος ἠγάπησεν ἡμᾶς (1 John 4:19).
It is very beautiful and true.
It is beautiful because it is a word for word translation, be it an English or Chinese translation.
It is true especially after I have finished my course paper on Fr. Karl Rahner's "anonymous Christians". Rahner introduced a concept called "supernatural existential" to show that the human nature in everyone of us has, before it was created, been transformed by the grace of God. God is love. Therefore out of love, He created us such that we are capable of accepting Love. It is necessary for God to transform our being in such a way that we are capable of accepting Love and thus of loving. Q.E.D.
If any one says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen (1 John 4:20).
In the Last Judgment story of Matthew, we find an identical message. When Jesus passed judgment on those at his left, Matthew did not call them wicked or unjust, like what he did to those at Jesus' right. Yes, we should not pass judgment on others. Leave this job to Jesus.
Then he will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me.' (Matthew 25:45)
Combined with John's message, we can conclude that when we do not love the needy, we cannot love God whom we have not seen. God is immaterial. We cannot love what is intangible. But God provides us ways to love Him. Love the poor as well as the needy and we love God because God is with them.
In the Last Judgment story of Matthew, we find an identical message. When Jesus passed judgment on those at his left, Matthew did not call them wicked or unjust, like what he did to those at Jesus' right. Yes, we should not pass judgment on others. Leave this job to Jesus.
Then he will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me.' (Matthew 25:45)
Combined with John's message, we can conclude that when we do not love the needy, we cannot love God whom we have not seen. God is immaterial. We cannot love what is intangible. But God provides us ways to love Him. Love the poor as well as the needy and we love God because God is with them.
And this commandment we have from him, that he who loves God should love his brother also (1 John 4:21).
When did God give this commandment? Loudly and clearly during the Last Supper.
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another (John 13:34).
Alas! Knowing is not doing. It will be our life-long mission to combine the two into one. From 「知行合一」 to 「天人合一」.
Tonight, we learnt another model of Revelation. Orthodox is abstract, universal truth but pale. The two world wars in the last century were fought among Christian countries. People cast doubt on orthodox. People begin to see the importance of orthopraxis, true actions. So, let us practise what we preach.
When did God give this commandment? Loudly and clearly during the Last Supper.
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another (John 13:34).
Alas! Knowing is not doing. It will be our life-long mission to combine the two into one. From 「知行合一」 to 「天人合一」.
Tonight, we learnt another model of Revelation. Orthodox is abstract, universal truth but pale. The two world wars in the last century were fought among Christian countries. People cast doubt on orthodox. People begin to see the importance of orthopraxis, true actions. So, let us practise what we preach.
Are God's commandments difficult to keep? John assures us that they are not.
For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome (1 John 5:3).
Jesus also tells us to follow his commandments because they are easy and light.
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light (Matthew 11:28-30).
It is not wise to labour over the logic of these assurances. Just find rest in doing them.
For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome (1 John 5:3).
Jesus also tells us to follow his commandments because they are easy and light.
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light (Matthew 11:28-30).
It is not wise to labour over the logic of these assurances. Just find rest in doing them.
Dear Lord, let us love to find rest in Your bosom. Amen.
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