​"We love because He first loved us." ~ 1 John 4:19

In the Catholic spiritual tradition, there is a helpful distinction between affective love and effective love. Affective love comes with consolation as we feel the love that Our Lord has for us. But our response to this requires more than us enjoying the consolation of God’s love. It must take flesh and become an effective love. It must transform us from within. This purification is sanctifying and reaches its fullest perfection in love of God and neighbor. But it all flows from God who loved us first, a love we come to know in Jesus crucified. 

Love makes a demand, requires a response, of us who abide in Him:

​“We love because He first loved us. If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ but hates his brother, he is a liar; for whoever does not love a brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. This is the commandment we have from Him: whoever loves God must also love his brother” (1 Jn 4:19-21). 

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Listen for what the Holy Spirit might be trying to tell you.

1. How is the Lord calling you to surrender more fully and respond to his love for you?
2. Do you live as though you are earning or receiving God’s love for you? How is he calling you to receive his love rather than earn it?
3. What is the Lord asking of you right now, knowing that you are an integral part of his Church and her mission on earth?

Reflection: Father Nick Larkin

In what way can I pray for others & their intentions?

Pray the Rosary

When we pray the Rosary, we do not pray alone, but with Mary who carry our prayers to her son. Not sure who to pray for? Start with those whose photos are in your phone. Read more.

Offer your intention at Mass

Each Mass takes us to the sacrifice of Christ to God the Father. In addition to praying the Mass with an engaged mind and heart, we participate by offering up our own sacrifices and intentions.

Pray with them

One thing we can do when someone asks us to pray for them is to promptly ask the person, “Would it be alright for me to pray for you right now?” Here is how.

Pray the intentions of the Pope

Pray and work to meet the humanity challenges of the world identified by the Pope. His intentions are keys for our prayers and mission. Find his monthly intentions here

Pray a special Novena

Novenas are an ancient part of the the Church's devotional life. Its practice goes back to the time of the apostles. The novena is prayed over the course of 9 days. Learn more.

Bring a friend to a retreat

Share with others these opportunities for a time of rest and prayer with FCJ Centre | Mount St. Francis | Martha Centre Lethbridge | Divine Mercy Centre

Intercessory
Prayer

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"Could you please pray for me?"

​We should take seriously requests for prayer
​and figure out a way to fulfill that request.
​A few practical tips here.