Daily Reflection

This Sunday’s Epistle reading, 1 John 4:7-21, places before us an impossibly rich banquet—its every verse warrants extensive commentary and, yes, extensive celebration. For today, there’s two quick observations. First, the hearing of this text in the context of Easter’s fifty days provides an important reminder that the miracle of Christ’s resurrection is not merely a demonstration of God’s raw power but is a manifestation of God’s infinite love. Second, it is fear—not hatred—that forms the most stubborn obstacle to our capacity (as those who bear the image of God) to embody even a small fraction of God’s infinite love: the good news being that “perfect love” does and can and will, at the end of time, “cast out” all fear! Hallelujah!