Scripture: 1st John 3:16
We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us—and we ought to lay down our lives for one another.
Thought for the Day: There is an older book by Dorothy Day, co-founder of the Catholic Worker Movement, entitled: The Reckless Way of Love – Notes on Following Jesus. I have always strangely appreciated the word reckless as it helps move us away from the easy understandings of love. In referring to the love of Jesus as reckless, I have used it for the purpose of grabbing people’s attention. It is not soft or feel good, but unnerving. To be reckless suggests we let go of control and slip into the arena of risk and exposure. Yet after taking the time to reread both the Psalms and the Gospel of Matthew recently, I feel as if reckless is not just a wake-up call. To be reckless is to throw caution to the wind when it comes to the concern one feels for others. It is to show no concern for self if what we do can demonstrate genuine love for another. Jesus was reckless, and it got him killed. I’m not suggesting we should be reckless for the sake of recklessness, but when it comes to telling the world about Jesus, maybe a bit more recklessness would be good if emulating Jesus is our desired end.
Prayer: You may not use the word reckless, Mighty God, but in Jesus you showed little concern for self. The fullness of the divine nature took on the form of a humble servant and chose to risk everything for our sake. Thank you for showing us the true meaning of love. Amen.
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