Love knows a precedence – a “root” – and an outcome – a “fruit”, to remain in the botanical image to which Jesus uses, speaking of a vine with its branches. John’s first letter sums up this dynamic well: “let us love one another, because love is from God: whoever loves has been generated by God and knows God”. The love of God for us precedes as a root; his fruit is our becoming capable of loving one another. In this way we will know God. We will know, that is, not only his mystery, but above all his fruitfulness and his generative power which manifests itself in us, making us capable of loving in turn. To love in a true way, it is necessary to remain in a love that precedes us.
This precedence is also witnessed by Peter in the house of the pagan Cornelius: he has not yet finished speaking, when the Spirit, preceding him, “descended upon all who listened to the Word”. Peter recognizes the primacy of God’s action and acts accordingly (here is the fruit!), Ordering that even these uncircumcised “be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ”. Peter understands that “God does not prefer people”. The love to which he calls us – and which allows us to live by grafting us into the true and reliable vine that is his Son of him – is broad, inclusive, hospitable. It welcomes everyone, because only one Spirit is poured out on everyone.

Kommentar von der Gemeinschaft von Dumenza

Übersetzung von fr. Daniel Tibi, Abtei Kornelimünster