God.

We know that we’re invited to love each other, that it’s the heart of your commandments.

“If you love me,” you said, “you will keep my commands.” And then a bit later you said, “here’s my command: love one another.”

And then you loved us. As you always have and always will.

I fear that we look more for exemptions than opportunities. We look more for adequate than extravagant. We look more for boundaries than boundless. We look for definition more than dedication. We argue abstraction and ignore those we touch, or could.

Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

And in your mercy, help us each in this hour to love one other.

Amen.