The first encyclical letter of Pope Benedict is entitled “God is Love.” This quote from the First Letter of John (1 John 4;8) is one which emphasizes the message of God’s self-revelation. We are told that the reason we should love God is because “God is love” and God has first loved us. This is the Great Commandment that Jesus has given us: “Love one another.” People will be able to recognize us as Jesus’ followers because of the love we have for one another.

Our parish community, as the Church in this part of the world, is the place where we learn from one another and teach one another this law of love. It is our “School of Love.” Here we practice the law of love through the many community activities and ministries in which we express God’s presence among us and within us.

Finally, love is the goal of all that we are and do: To be like God, who is love.