It is easy to imagine love as that sentimental feeling that receives so much attention in movies and songs. But we must never forget that love is not a feeling, nor a thing, nor a concept but a person. And so St John can speak with so much conviction when he asserts that "God is love". That seems obvious enough - but, what has it to do with us? This brings us to the second meaning and equally important sense of the word 'love'. It is a decision; 'love' is an 'action' word. It is not enough to proclaim that 'God is love' without understanding that it is this same love that compels us - even obligates us - to love others. Our own inadequate and often imperfect love is a response to divine love. We love because God loved us. This inseparable connection between the two 'loves' can be seen in the Gospel. Jesus' compassion, His love for the crowds of people who had come to Him, also draws the disciples within that sphere of loving. The disciples are also challenged to feed the multitudes, in other words, to share in that great love of God and of His Christ. It is not sufficient to look on with pity at the multitudes who continue to suffer hunger, homelessness, pain, isolation, poverty, injustice and brokenness. Christ challenges us to 'action', action that is firmly rooted in the love which He has for all of us and the love which we must have for all persons. Christ challenges us to love as He did.