Often, in the hustle and bustle of ministry, it is easy to sideline ‘love’. We can say we have been obedient, faithful and faith-filled, but can we say that we have enthroned love in our hearts as we serve God’s people? In the First reading we hear of the disciples evangelising; they were winning hearts for Jesus. Their preaching transcended borders and social status, reaching even the gentiles and outcasts of society. As disciples of Jesus we can preach and minister, but it is only God’s love that can unlock hearts to receive the Message. The Gospel reading elaborates on this ‘new’ way of living. What distinguishes his disciples? Love keeps our eyes focused on what matters to God. How do we rekindle the spirit of love, when serving involves pain, sacrifice and weariness? How do we love when we are drained? We must go back to the beginning, and remember that we get to love, because we are first loved by Jesus. We serve from the overflow of his love.

PRAYER: Abba Father, fill me with your love again. May I first be a seeker and a lover of God, before I am a servant. Set my heart on re again. Amen.