It’s one of those nights where you’re called to muse on the one driving force that keeps the universe in motion, the sole factor that sets humanity apart from the rest of the animal kingdom, and the one source of heroism, courage and fervour.

For what can be greater than God’s love?

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)

God’s love is unique to each person - everyone experiences it differently, but all desire it as something to be given and received. In that understanding alone, I find the greatest wonder. For if something is valuable because it is unique, how much more incredible can God’s love be, unconditional and unyielding in millions of different ways?

He provides dozens of ways and means in order for us to learn to accept His love. They could be large, dramatic and truly amazing in form, but they could also come in small, gentle and unassuming ways, allowing you to only recognise them on hindsight. For God is not limited by method nor is he limited by our weak faith. His love descends upon our lives whether we are ready to accept it or not. How fortunate we are when we are prepare to welcome it!

This Catholic War Machine accepted it at a time when he felt ugly, despised and rejected. He found in God (through Jesus Christ) the acceptance that he longed for, an approval from a person greater than any human being. He found in God a refuge from his hurt and pain and a comfort in his anger and sorrow. But most of all, he found in God a friend that would listen and not grow tired of his conversations. In short, he had found the perfect friend.

Often, it is easy for someone to dismiss God’s love as a cheap ideal or as a unfulfilled dream of a vivid imagination. But the grace of God allows us to realise that truly, God’s love is not a gimmick. It really is as straightforward as others have testified to. God’s love is waiting for us to accept it, and to allow it to transform our lives into meaningful ones proclaiming his glory.

For the love of God!