I love you so much I can't stand by.

When the suffering turns deadly, the danger too great, the pain too strong - it's time to heed our better angels: who won't sit still or stand by in the face of pain, injustice, and suffering.

Because love can't stand by.

You know it well - it's why you open your wallet for the needy, volunteer at your charity. and support your house of worship whose ostensible mission is to help those who are not its members.

This is why God sent Jesus: after watching his harried and suffering children tie themselves in knots of greed, violence, and selfishness.

God could not stand by - so God sent love in the flesh.

Love drops the nets, heeds the call, and follows - which is at the heart of the calling of the fishermen-disciples that we will hear this weekend.

What is so big, so pressing, so heart-piercing that's nudging you to drop the nets?

How are you coming face to face with the world's need that you are being drawn, interested, and persuaded that something more needs doing?

Don't stand by. Don't sit still. That's not what love does.

See you Sunday.