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Wednesday, January 5, 2005

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St. John Neumann


1 John 4:11-18
Psalm 72
Mark 6:45-52

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the multiplier effect of love

"Beloved, if God has loved us so, we must have the same love for one another." —1 John 4:11

St. John Neumann, at the age of forty-one, reflected God's love for others (1 Jn 4:11), and took to heart the Lord's command to go and teach all nations (see Mk 16:15). As bishop of Philadelphia, he reorganized the existing parochial school system into a diocesan one, and the number of pupils increased by almost twentyfold shortly thereafter. St. John Neumann could testify that God's love is brought to perfection in us (1 Jn 4:12) when we give our "all" to bring His Kingdom to a disordered world.

When we, out of love, give all that we have (Lk 21:4) to obtain Jesus our Treasure (Mt 13:44), we will receive the resources, both physical and spiritual, to accomplish Christ's objectives (see e.g. Eph 1:3; Phil 4:19).

When we have our lives in a right order, a godly order, when we receive and obey our instructions from Christ, Jesus multiplies our faith (see Mt 25:29). Then He multiplies our works done in obedience and love. This is as He has told us: whoever "has faith in Me will do the works I do, and greater far than these" (Jn 14:12).

Therefore, love one another as God has commanded (1 Jn 4:11). Lovingly give Jesus your all. "Serve the needs of all" (Mk 10:44) and see Jesus multiply your deeds of love (Mt 13:33).

Prayer:  Father, give me the grace to die to my selfish agenda and work for You and You alone.

Promise:  "If we love one another God dwells in us, and His love is brought to perfection in us." —1 Jn 4:12

Praise:  St. John Neumann lovingly gave his all to God and saw his works multiplied in building a greater foundation for the Church in America.

Reference:  (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Richard Walling, July 7, 2004


Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 19, 2004