John’s teaching on love is an invitation, but also unsettling in its demands, Pope says
VATICAN CITY, August 9 (CNA) - Pope Benedict returned to the Vatican briefly today, from his summer residence at Castelgandolfo, in order to conduct his weekly general audience. During the course of his address to those gathered in the Paul VI auditorium, the Pope discussed the great works of John the Evangelist, works which, he said, invite us to love but also unsettle us.The Pope told the gathered crowd that there is one characteristic topic that emerges from the writings of John - that of love.
Benedict said that it was no accident that he began his first encyclical with words from one of John’s letters, “God is love; those who dwell in love ! dwell in God and God in them (1 John 4,16).” The Pope said that it is difficult to find such a text in other religions and therefore, “such an expression brings us head-on with a fact particular to Christianity.”
The Holy Father said that there are three points of consideration to develop an understanding of John’s discussion of the profound reality that “God is love.”
Benedict first noted that John’s declaration that “God is love” comes in similar form to other declarations that “God is Spirit” (Jn 4,24) and “God is light” (Jn 1,5).
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posted by Dr. Denice Hanley, DPM, M.Div. @ 4:53 PM
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