NEW TESTAMENT (Second Reading)

A Reading from the First Letter of St. John

Beloved:

We know that we have passed from death to life 

     because we love our brothers. 

Whoever does not love remains in death.

Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, 

     and you know that no murderer 

     has eternal life remaining in him.

The way we came to know love 

     was that he laid down his life for us; 

     so we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.

If someone who has worldly means 

     sees a brother in need and refuses him compassion, 

     how can the love of God remain in him?

Children, let us love not in word or speech 

     but in deed and truth. 

The Word of the Lord