Love Above All: Embracing God’s Call to Serve Others

Father Matthew Tomeny, MIC, reminds us that the true measure of a Christian heart is not how much we cherish ourselves, but how readily we lift the burdens of those around us. When we place our own desires above God, we inevitably create weight for others; the selfish pursuit of comfort becomes a chain that binds the community. Conversely, those who love God above all people discover a divine impulse to ease another’s suffering. This love is not a fleeting feeling but the very nature of God Himself—“God is love.” Repentance opens the pathway to that love. As we turn away from personal sin and ask the Holy Spirit to purify our hearts, we are drawn to what is right. The cleansing of conscience frees us to reject injustice in our own lives, and in doing so our eyes are opened to the hidden injustices that afflict our neighbors. The prophet Isaiah exhorts us, “Wash yourselves clean; put away your misdeeds… learn to do good,” echoing the Gospel call to be servants rather than seekers of status. Through the Sacrament of Confession we confront the sins that keep us attached to self‑interest. By acknowledging our faults before God, we receive His mercy and are equipped to extend that mercy outward. Baptism initiates us into a new life where the love of Christ becomes our primary identity, reshaping our priorities. The Holy Eucharist, the source and summit of our faith, fills us with the love that compels us to serve the hungry, the lonely, and the oppressed. Each time we approach the altar, we renew our commitment to place God’s will above personal ambition. Prayer is the bridge that connects our interior conversion with external action. When we lift our petitions to the Father, asking Him to give us the courage to confront injustice, we align our hearts with the Kingdom’s values. The Rosary, the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and simple moments of silent adoration all nurture the habit of looking beyond ourselves. In this way, love becomes a habit, not an occasional sentiment. Let us ask the Blessed Virgin to intercede that we may always place God first, allowing His love to overflow into every relationship, every decision, and every act of charity. May our lives become living testimonies that true happiness is found not in self‑exaltation but in self‑sacrifice for the good of all.