1 John 4:8

God is love.

Brothers and sisters, listen

to this Good News.

You are loved.

You are loved with a fierce Love,

a righteous Love,

a Love that never backs down,

that never runs away.

You are loved with a Love

that continues to rise

no matter how many times

it has been struck down.

You are loved with a Love

that does not hide in the shadows,

but reveals itself in the light.

You are loved with a Love

that demands to be shared.

So plant those seeds of Love

and watch them grow

in the souls of all you love.

Watch as Love gives hope

to the despondent

and strength to the weary.

Watch as Love lifts up

all who have stumbled.

Watch Love heal nations.

Watch Love wash over deserts

and bring new life to every place of ruin,

to all places once forgotten and abandoned.

Marvel at Love’s power.

Stand in awe of Love’s majesty.

Let Love draw out all doubt

from your heart,

and replace it with faith strong

enough to move mountains.

Amen.