I thought I understood what it meant to say “God is love.” Then I read CCC 221 more closely.
It describes God’s very being as love—an eternal communion of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and says that we are invited to share in that love.
We are invited into the life of the Holy Trinity.
I have to slow down and sit with that.
In John 1, the Word who was with God from the beginning becomes flesh and dwells among us. Those who receive Him are given the right to become children of God.
In John 17, Jesus prays for those who will believe in Him. That includes us. He prays for our unity and asks that the love with which the Father loves Him may be in us.
When I read these passages together, I begin to understand the depth of the relationship Christ offers.
The Father sent the Son and poured out the Holy Spirit so that human beings could share forever in the life and love of the Holy Trinity.
That changes how I understand following Jesus. His commandments teach me how to respond to that love and live within it. Prayer becomes an opportunity to grow in that relationship. My everyday choices become places to put love into practice.
For someone who spent years checking things off a list, this discovery means so much.
God invites me to know Him, love Him, and share in His life—forever.
Explore further: Catechism §221 · John 1 · John 17.