"Love One Another"

January 12, 2010

The Year for the Priest

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

A name change demands a bit of explanation. This communication was entitled “Some Seed Fell On Good Ground.” It is now called, “Love One Another.”

It’s not that I didn’t like the former title, but I felt that the relationship that we are establishing is distinctly new and that I might take this opportunity to fashion a vision for us as Church.

In the very earliest moments of Christianity people asked, “How will we know them to be Christians?” The answer, “See how they love one another.”

Our patron, St. John the Evangelist, knew that the source and strength of all Christian action was love. In my installation homily, I chose the post resurrection narrative from St. John where Jesus confronts Peter with the question, “Do you love me? If you do, then feed my lambs.” I wanted the title of our communication to express a personal and ecclesial goal - that we strive to make evident in our lives a desire to love as Christ loves. Whatever talents or gifts we possess, we use them to share the love of God with our brothers and sisters. This love we know through His Son Jesus Christ.

I also wanted to pay tribute to St. John the Evangelist who is the patron of the archdiocese. Invoking the intercession of saints on our behalf is a wonderful spiritual practice. Our patron is the saint to whom the Lord entrusted His mother, “Mary behold your son, John behold you mother.” This was the beloved disciple who remained faithful even in the darkest moments on the cross. I promise to pray, and I hope you will join me, that St. John will inspire us to be those loving faithful servants that will be witness to Christ’s love in our archdiocese.

Pope Benedict XVI’s first encyclical was Deus Caritas Est (God is Love). Many believed when he became Pope, that he would issue rules and regulations, and be strident in his demands of the Catholic community. Some expected him to be authoritarian in his manner. Instead, this gentle scholar reminded us all that it is the love of God that we are to proclaim and live. In Pope Benedict’s own words, “In a world where the name of God is sometimes associated with vengeance or even a duty of hatred and violence, this message (God is Love) is both timely and significant. For this reason, I wish in my first Encyclical to speak of the love which God lavishes upon us and which we in turn must share with others.”

If we begin to view one another through the lens of God’s love for us, imagine what a beautiful world we will fashion. We will begin to understand John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”

So let us love one another as God has loved us.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee

P.S.

I know there is a bit of depression this week because of the Packers loss to the Cardinals in Sunday’s playoffs. They fought so hard after a dismal beginning, and for a moment, it seemed that a green and gold miracle would happen, and one of the great comebacks in NFL history would be achieved. However, they’re a young team and the future is bright. So, after a sigh of what might have been, put a smile on your face. I assure you that good days are ahead for the Pack - and that’s coming from a Bears fan!

God Bless!

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