Challenged to Love Intensely, Thoughtfully, Soberly

In today’s first reading, 1 Peter 4: 7-13, St. Peter reminds us that “the end of all things is at hand.  Therefore be serious and sober-minded.”   In other words, pay attention to that which is important and vital to your well- being spiritually and to the well-being of others—do not occupy yourself with that which is trivial or of minor significance.  Live thoughtfully! Live a life full of meaning.  Peter then looks at what that kind of life would entail. He says:  “…[L]et your love for one another be intense…Be hospitable to one another without complaining.  …[S]erve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”  Do all of this “with the strength that God supplies, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

Imagine what the world would be like if we followed Peter’s instruction. But, so that we do not escape our personal responsibility, let us ask ourselves some personal questions: What am I doing—not what is someone else doing or what is the world doing—but what am I doing? To what am I paying attention  each day? How intense is my love for God, others and myself? How hospitable [friendly, welcoming, generous, open, cordial]  am I to those whom God puts on the path of my life each day?  Am I serving others as a “good steward [a good guide,  director, attendant, teacher, parent, mentor] of God’s varied grace”?