Novena Day 9
Love of God
Do I love God? For sure I believe in God, but if God asks me if I love him, how will I answer? How can I tell if I love someone? Do I do the same for God?
Come to think of it, we love God because of who God is for us, and who God is for us is based on what God has done for us. “We love because God first loved us.” (1 John 4:19)
The story on the PGH chaplains, Jesuit priests Marlito Ocon, Benedicto de Guzman and Henry Ponce, which appeared on the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Sept
2) shows us love for God in action. They continue to provide comfort to the patients by praying for and with them and anointing them with oil. They also visit Covid patients in the special ward and those in the ICU, despite the risk of infection. Their ministry provides consolation not only to the patients who suffer alone, but also to the family members who cannot be present to their sick loved one because of covid protocols and restrictions. “We want to show them the love of God.” Fr. Ocon, SJ, the head chaplain, says. The love for God and God’s people which the chaplains have shown has inspired generosity among the people. Fr. Ocon relates that donations in cash and in kind continue to come. They in turn distribute the goods to the patients. Love generates love. And we find our beginning in God.
How about you, how do you express your love for God?
Let us ask for the grace of love for God in this 9th day of the novena. Let us also pray for all the “agents” of love, like chaplains, teachers, nurses, doctors, medical technologists, orderlies, drivers, farmers, street cleaners, etc.
Link to the PDI feature: https://www.pressreader.com/philippines/philippine-daily-inquirer-1109/20210902/281951725920128