If we treat love as a verb and a decision
then we tend to view it a bit differently from the way we would the noun,
especially when surrounded by a slew of heart-shaped candies, mushy cards, and
suggestions for romantic overtures around Valentine’s Day. Real love requires sacrifice, selflessness,
and a commitment to the overall wellbeing of another. It’s not always neat, pretty, or easy to love
others. Christ showed us that during His
Passion and death.
“Real love leaves scars” a priest once
told us in his homily. We can’t offer
true love and charity to others without giving something of ourselves. Oftentimes suffering, struggle, and
resistance are necessary elements we face internally or externally when we
commit to being there for and with someone, come what may.
Of course we have the most amazing
examples of love from which to learn: the Father’s love for us, as expressed in
giving up His Only Son for our salvation, and the Blessed Mother’s love for God
the Father, Jesus Christ, and the whole of humanity in saying yes to being the
supreme God-bearer-Theotokos. We can
know love because God loves us first and shows us how to extend that charity,
tenderness, and devotion through serving others.
We know someone loves us when he or she willingly
accepts any challenges, suffering, and/or transformation necessary in mind,
body, and spirit to bring us closer to the Lord. Christ gave up everything out of love for us:
His peace of mind, His healthy body, His power, all of it. Some who many not know Christ can still know
love because they have people in their lives who care deeply for and about
them.
If we make a friend, we’re risking loving
that person. When that outreach is
accepted, the person comes to a greater knowing that he or she is loved. Once we know we are loved by others, but most
importantly, by a merciful, compassionate God, then it is possible for us to go
forth and live in that love.
God is love. We were created out of love and are sustained
by it. Taking time in prayer to listen
to the Lord increases our awareness that God loves us and wants to love others
through us. We need to be plugged in,
recharged, and rejuvenated by the Source of All Love if we are ever going to
know and therefore be able to live out those most important of all
commandments: 1.) Love the Lord God with all your mind, and with all your
heart, and with all your strength 2.) Love your neighbor as yourself.
Note to Readers: This reflection on their theme is dedicated to the participants of the 463rd Men's Cursillo taking place at Shalom House from this evening through Sunday. This article first appeared in the February issue of The Rooster Review.
