Love One Another

Respect for others, appreciation of their worth and dignity, begins when we see others as "another self." This is really the root of empathy, putting ourselves in someone else's shoes and trying to grasp what it would be like to be them.

It is only when our love is given unselfishly, even sacrificially, that we are truly showing the love of Christ. Pope Benedict XVI says, "Only if I serve my neighbor can my eyes be opened to what God does for me and how much he loves me" (Deus Caritas Est, 18). Let us follow Christ in love.

God bless! -- Dave
(Email me at ddziena@osv.com to share your suggestions and questions.)

This month on Teaching Catholic Kids

Ordinary Time Resources

Activity One: (Grades K-5): 'Love God and Others' (PDF)

Activity Two (Grade 6 and up): 'Change of Heart' (PDF)

Teacher Pattern: 'Loving Hands'

Now available!
Click for a sample
Click here to order

Lisa Mladinich's article
on kids being taken
to Mass - or not
Visit the author's web site

Lifelong Catechesis Corner: Have family members relate how difficult it can be to love everyone and why it is still important to do so. How does forgiveness fit into the equation? From the OSV Curriculum site

Catholic Stewardship for Kids:

What does the word enemy mean to you? How complete is your love for that enemy? What can you do at home or at school to show that you follow Jesus' Commandments to love one another?
For more ideas, visit the OSV Lifelong Catechesis site

Soul Food for Teachers: My Daily Visitor's Daily Meditation

Catechist Know-How: From Mary Lou Rosien, "Be ready to defend"

Prayer

Act of Love
O my God, I love You above all things, with my whole heart and soul, because You are all-good and deserving of all my love. I love my neighbor as myself for the love of You. I forgive all who have injured me and ask pardon of all whom I have injured.

Also on www.TeachingCatholicKids.com:

Teaching Catholic Kids

February 2011