It is 20th February 2016. The readings are from Deuteronomy 26:16-19; and the Gospel from Matthew 5:43-48. The first reading reminds us the demand our God makes. Our faithfulness in following God’s commandment makes us worthy of being called God’s people in the Old Testament. It is a very personal commitment to God. God offers and promises a very special relationship to people of Israel as long as they observe the Law. “You will be God’s very own people as God promised you, but only if you keep all God’s commandments.” (Deut.26:17). The responsorial Psalm acclaims, “They are happy who follow God’s law.” (Ps. 118:1). The New Testament surpasses the Old Testament in loving God. The Gospel instructs us that love must not be selective. When we truly love God, we must not have difficulty in loving everyone. There is always a hidden selfishness in every human love. We need to be aware of the hidden agenda, the expectation and the demands of love and review our love towards the other on the basis of God’s love. Selfless love is the ideal and goal of our existence. Since we are human, we can easily be corrupted by selfishness and personal evil. True love does not expect anything in return. We love as though we are born with a purpose to love everyone without any conditions attached. There is no flaw in God’s love. As we believe in God, we need to persuade in love. Can we be perfect in love? Yes, we can as long as the love of Jesus revealed in the Cross becomes the inspiration and reality. Love is much more than a feeling. Love is the explanation of our faith and the determination and the conviction to be merciful even if it demands our lives. As a believer, we must transmit the love of Christ through the Works of Mercy. Love must never be commercialized or commuted for personal gains. Let us start loving the others as God loves us. “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Mt.5:48). May you have a good day.