October 4, 2011:
Today's readings are all about love; love of Jesus and Jesus' precious love for us. In today's Gospel we see how Mary had this deep devotion for Jesus; a love that God is asking us all to have for Him - A love that explodes from the heart and soul, but yet peaceful.
It is so important to attain that peacefulness every day; for us to close our eyes and just be with Jesus. Be in His presence.
And today is the feast of a saint who loved Jesus dearly, and the world that God made – St Francis of Assisi. He never, for a moment, took his eyes off of Jesus.
He literally gave up every material possession he owned to surrender himself completely to our Lord. He was so kind and gentle; a true servant of Jesus that, even the animals could feel his love.
So what is Love?
As St Paul tells us" Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, it is not pompous, it is not inflated. It is not rude, it does not seek its own interest, it is not quick-tempered. It does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrong doings. It bears all things, endures all things.
If you were to ask Mary and St Francis what is the power of Love, they would probably tell you that Love never fails. So extend your hand to all those you meet today and tell them from the bottom of your heart "May God bless you with His Love".

