You would think it were Valentine’s Day from all the readings about love today.  Is there anything new we can say about love? Everyone thinks they’re an expert on love. Look at reality shows, for example: Kim Kardashian’s marriage lasted a whopping 72 days. And people petition to get rid of the alcohol-fueled, sex-soaked scenes on Jersey Shore. Everyone thinks they’re an expert on “love”—or what passes for love.

Not to single anyone out… but, no matter who you are, if your life is one big dramatic frenzy, detached from any real reference to God, you may be seeking real love, but accepting some pretty miserable substitutes.   Millions of people are addicted to alcohol, drugs or food. The 12-Step Program begins with admitting we are powerless, our lives are “unmanageable”, and “only a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.”

There is only one Source of love. John says: “…let us love one another, because love is of God.”  Only one problem. The word “love” has been distorted: it’s used by porn films and cooking shows alike! Fact: We cannot know God, unless we love like God.  So, St. John says the definition of love is “not that we have loved God”, but that God first loved us. Then, because of God’s love for us, God acted by sending Jesus to accomplish and fulfill whatever was required, that we might be one with God in eternity. 

God loved, so God created the world in love.  That’s the way to tell true love from false: God’s love always leads to more respect and freedom.