the multiplier effect of love
"Beloved, if God has loved us so, we must have the same love for one another." —1 John 4:11
St. John Neumann, at the age of forty-one, reflected God's love for others (1 Jn 4:11) and took to heart the Lord's command to go and teach all nations (see Mk 16:15). He traveled from Bohemia to America as a missionary and was appointed bishop of Philadelphia. He reorganized the existing parochial school system into a diocesan one, and the number of pupils increased by almost twentyfold shortly thereafter. St. John Neumann could testify that God's love is brought to perfection in us (1 Jn 4:12) when we give our "all" to bring His Kingdom to a disordered world.
When we, out of love, give all that we have (Lk 21:4) to obtain Jesus our Treasure (Mt 13:44), we will receive the resources, both physical and spiritual, to accomplish Christ's objectives (see e.g. Eph 1:3; Phil 4:19).
When we have our lives in right and godly order, when we receive and obey our instructions from Christ, Jesus multiplies our faith (see Mt 25:29). Then He multiplies our works done in obedience and love. As He has told us, whoever "has faith in Me will do the works I do, and greater far than these" (Jn 14:12).
Therefore, love one another as God has commanded (1 Jn 4:11). Lovingly give Jesus your all. "Serve the needs of all" (Mk 10:44) and see Jesus multiply your deeds of love.
Prayer: Father, give me the grace to die to my selfish agenda and work for You alone.
Promise: "If we love one another God dwells in us, and His love is brought to perfection in us." —1 Jn 4:12
Praise: St. John introduced the Forty Hours devotion to the U.S.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, May 28, 2010
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