Pope Francis points out that it is not enough to simply love Jesus. Today’s reflection on Delexit nos (164-171) points to this idea of love for love.

Francis puts the prompt before us: As we meditate on Christ’s self-offering for the sake of all, we naturally wonder. Why should we not also be ready to give our lives for others?

All love is grounded in the Eucharist. All real and credible love finds its source in the breaking of the Bread. To serve those who are our brothers and sisters in love, we must give our hearts to Jesus. He will cleanse our hearts of selfishness. Pope Francis points to this idea:

Love for our brothers and sisters is not simply the fruit of our own efforts; it demands the transformation of our selfish hearts. This realization gave rise to the oft-repeated prayer: “Jesus, make our hearts more like your own” (168). 

Francis spoke of how the Roman Empire sought to duplicate what the early Christians demonstrated. These Christians cared for the poor. Emperor Julian was not successful in his goal for “underlying those works there was nothing comparable to the Christian charity that respected the unique dignity of each person” (169).

We must serve the poor, marginalized, and orphan. To take on such a task is to be centered in the Eucharist. A great way to be centered is in the consuming fire of love. Jesus told Sister Margaret Mary:

I thirst, but with a thirst so ardent to be loved by men in the Most Blessed Sacrament, that this thirst consumes me; and I have not encountered anyone who makes an effort, according to my desire, to quench my thirst, giving back a return for my love.

Return to his heart today through the Eucharist. Being so rooted we will see him as we serve others. This is how we return love for love.