Love One Another As I Have Loved You is the title of a new
book of prayers, meditations and reflections on family life compiled by
Father Gareth Byrne, a priest of the Archdiocese of Dublin, in response
to the publication of Amoris Laetitia Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation on Love in the Family.The collection includes reflective pieces on family, friendship and opportunity and invites readers to take time in the healing presence of Jesus, opening themselves to the Spirit of God’s love at work in their lives and in their relationships.
Commenting on his new book, Father Byrne said, “With the World Meeting of Families being hosted in Ireland by the Archdiocese of Dublin in August 2018, we look to the future inspired by the joyful humility and commitment of Pope Francis who reminds us of God’s unconditional love for us revealed in Jesus. Conscious that we are less than perfect, we open ourselves to be renewed by Christ’s love and the love we have for one another.
“The publication by Pope Francis of Amoris Laetitia – The Joy of Love, following the two meetings of the Synod of Bishops on this theme in 2014 and 2015, prompts us to reflect prayerfully on life and love, the Christian vocation, marriage and family, friendship, community, and the hope that is within us as Christians. Jesus has shown us the depths of God’s love and we seek to mirror that love by loving one another.
“Pope Francis has indicated time and again his concern to support and empower families. He is convinced that, despite the ups and downs of family life, in one way or another, is central to the well-being and development of all human persons. When we take quiet time in the healing presence of Jesus, with his look of love upon us, we recognise, in ever new ways, who we are called to be. In his love, we acknowledge our strength and weaknesses, our hopes and fears, our desires, needs and responsibilities, and look beyond ourselves to the other.”
Father Byrne said the book is designed to help us to pray in the context of family, near and far, supported by the whole community of our love and by our community of faith the Church, the family we form together around Christ. He said, “Pope Francis reminds us to open ourselves in love to others, no matter how they present themselves to us.”
Father Gareth Byrne is a priest of the Archdiocese of Dublin and chairman of the Dublin Diocesan Council of Priests. He is the Director of the ‘Mater Dei Centre for Catholic Education’, DCU Institute of Education, Dublin City University. He is the author of several books. Love One Another As I Have Loved You is published by Veritas and available now.
For more information see www.veritas.ie