Love in the English language and especially in our modern day use of the word has become a word that does not have the same meaning intended in the language of Sacred Scripture. Perhaps because there are three words that we translate in the English language by using the one word love. For our purposes and Paul's he mentions two separate words in the Koine Greek language Agape and Phileo that we describe with one word love. Agape as used in verse 9 is what might be understood as pure self revealing love. A love that has no disguise and appears to be transparent with no hidden agenda. A love that motivates a higher level of attributes that are directed to the common good of mankind and the development of community. Secondly a brotherly love phileo verse 10 which one can experience with the pure of love of God working in and through them to love a fellow human being as if they were truly a brother or sister and sometimes even deeper then a family member. Through this agape love we have become part of an eternal family that transcends time and place.
This level of love appears to provoke a high level of attributes and characteristics that are common among those who hold Christ dear to their hearts. We are challenged to be zealous as one who has been endowed with the Spirit of God and to allow ourselves to be a light in a dark place. As we walk in His love and His Spirit we can rejoice, and minister to those who are struggling and offer them hope and patience in their trials and tribulations. We can pray when all else fails and it appears hopeless. We always have something to give and offer to those in need. The highest blessing is when we can give out of our own need like the widows mite. The dynamic of unity among our fellow humans comes from a heart that is filled with humility and appreciation for what one has been given by God. The things that only come from grace and are not merited. Develop a strategy to pursue peace in your life. For me the more I pray and seek the Lord the more peace I experience and the more trust I have in God when things do wrong. It is easy to fight anger with more anger but turning the cheek is an attribute of humility.
There are
times and situations that we are confronted with that may provoke us to take
matters into our own hands. This lack of self control is a form of
disbelief and a lack of trust in God. The scriptures tell us that vengeance
belongs to the Lord. Jesus tells us to be anxious for nothing, for He takes care
of all of his creation and will He not take care of us His most precious
treasure. During this Advent season let us not be anxious for nothing but to
remember that the only debt we have is our love to God. And as the wise men
sought him out let us seek him out this Christmas. "Seek first His kingdom
and HIs righteousness, and all these things shall be yours." Matt. 6:33
His servants and yours,
Gerard & Yolanda Cleffi Directors
Oratory of Divine Love
As our years increase we become accustomed to the thought that we are only lent to this world, and so, without losing our joy in life and our wish to serve our neighbor, we find that in the depths of our hearts we are enjoying the love of Jesus which gives us life and makes us holy.
-Pope John XXIII, In My Own Words, Liguori, Missouri, Liguori Publication, Pg.46
God of unchanging power and light, look with mercy and favor on your entire Church. Bring lasting salvation to mankind, so that the world may see the fallen lifted up, the old made new, and all things brought to perfection, through him who is their origin, our Lord Jesus Christ, who live and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.
-Magnificat, Holy Week 2004, Vol. 6, No. 2, Pg.226