4.1. What is love?

We've often heard Aquinas speak of willing the good of others, but Jesus challenges us with a deeper perspective. He questioned the effectiveness of merely wishing or praying for someone's improvement, all while praising the Good Samaritan for his active compassion. Jesus commanded His disciples to love one another 'as I have loved you' and to 'serve one another.' The issues facing Western society today often stem from codependency, manipulated affection, and a reluctance to accept genuine help. Love has been reduced to phrases like, 'I will pray for you,' 'Let me know if I can help,' or, sadly, to equating addiction and pleasure with love.

It seems there is one remedy to the society that does not want to be loved or feel happy together, to return to what Jesus set example in the last supper, by giving others what they do not deserve, like the washing of the feet. A task unasked for and beneath Him, illustrates this.

When offering help to others who seek unhealthy solutions, it’s important to consider how we can bring Jesus to them, even if their choices are not beneficial. If we can help, let us not be distracted from God’s purpose in favor of pleasing our neighbors.