In this fourth cover story, Sr. Anjala reflects on the profound call of Dilexit Nos—to live out the love of Christ. This love, both human and divine, is not just a concept but a call to action.
Dilexit Nos, meaning “He loved us,” captures the heart of the Christian faith: God’s unconditional, sacrificial love for humanity. In Deus Caritas Est, Pope Benedict XVI calls us to embody this transformative love, where divine grace meets human experience. From the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus on the cross (John 3:16) to everyday acts of selflessness, compassion, and sacrifice, both biblical figures and ordinary people show us how to live this love. We are called to prioritize the good of others, even at personal cost, reflecting God’s boundless love in our lives.
God’s Love as the Foundation of Love
Pope Benedict XVI emphasizes that God is love (1 John 4:8), a love that is not abstract but deeply relational, as shown in the life of Jesus Christ. This love is intimate and personal, inviting humanity into a transformative relationship with God. The greatest demonstration of God’s love is the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross (John 3:16), where God gave His only Son for the salvation of humanity. This act is the foundation for all human love, calling us to love sacrificially.
The Call to Love Others
Christians are called to mirror God’s love by loving others selflessly. As Benedict XVI stresses, love is not just an emotion, but an act of will and sacrifice. This love requires action, often at personal cost, as illustrated by the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37, whose care for a wounded stranger exemplifies love in action, beyond feelings or identity. Love also manifests through charity—the practical expression of love. True charity, as shown in the story of the Widow’s Mite (Mark 12:41-44), involves giving selflessly, regardless of wealth. This teaches that love is sacrificial, and true generosity comes from the heart, prioritizing the good of others over personal gain.
Sr Anjala Lincy Clark, FSPM
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