1 Peter 4:7-11
Life is precious. These last few days for me have been a wake up call to that fact. I have experienced death and I have experienced the joy of my first grandchild. The first line of this reading noting that the end is near, and the second noting that love conquers a multitude of sins brings together these recent experiences. I have been reflecting on these and other examples of love that conquers.
To the world at large a wake would not be the place you'd really expect to feel loved. It would appear to be a sad time filled with remorse, death and finality. In my personal faith I was happy to see that the wake I went to the other day was different. Yes, there was sadness but that was overcome by the love that the deceased had given her entire life and the love of those attending the wake. Not only did this woman live a life to the fullest and filled with love, but her family was following her example. What's more, her husband was so loved the outpouring for him from the community was heartwarming. What ever sadness there was, whatever shortcomings the deceased may have had in life, it was overcome by her love.
Holding a precious new life in your arms without any words being spoken, helps you realize the power of love. There is no specific action required, no toy to be purchased, no ice cream to be bought, no ball to be tossed, at least not yet. In the solitude of holding this child, love is ever present and conquers all. Whatever else may be going on around us, in the room or in the world, love has made a triumphant call in this new life and the love that is so strong it seems palpable.
It is no secret that the first year of marriage for many young couples is the roughest. There are adjustments to be made, compromises and outright differences of opinion. What keeps the marriage going is the foundation and expression of love. Whatever happens, when there is love, the marriage not only continues, it flourishes. This week a wonderful couple I know celebrated their 60th anniversary. That is a lot of loving.
Whatever sins the gay community, as a group or as individuals, may be guilty of they are overcome by the love that the community exudes. First, let me point out that the sins are far greater in the minds of the self righteous and loveless than they actually are. Perhaps for the very reason we are called gay, the joy and exuberance of the community is expressed in brotherhood, sisterhood, community and expressions of love that are freeing and natural. Perhaps there is too much familiarity in those expressions, ( who am I to judge? ) but they certainly exhibit the signs and expressions of all kinds of love that overcomes any sins.
Life is precious and fragile. We really do not know when the end is coming for each of us. We must celebrate life, live it to the fullest. Each moment must be be filled as much love as we can muster because whatever faults we have, whatever mistakes we may make, it is love that will conquer all.
Life is precious. These last few days for me have been a wake up call to that fact. I have experienced death and I have experienced the joy of my first grandchild. The first line of this reading noting that the end is near, and the second noting that love conquers a multitude of sins brings together these recent experiences. I have been reflecting on these and other examples of love that conquers.
To the world at large a wake would not be the place you'd really expect to feel loved. It would appear to be a sad time filled with remorse, death and finality. In my personal faith I was happy to see that the wake I went to the other day was different. Yes, there was sadness but that was overcome by the love that the deceased had given her entire life and the love of those attending the wake. Not only did this woman live a life to the fullest and filled with love, but her family was following her example. What's more, her husband was so loved the outpouring for him from the community was heartwarming. What ever sadness there was, whatever shortcomings the deceased may have had in life, it was overcome by her love.
Holding a precious new life in your arms without any words being spoken, helps you realize the power of love. There is no specific action required, no toy to be purchased, no ice cream to be bought, no ball to be tossed, at least not yet. In the solitude of holding this child, love is ever present and conquers all. Whatever else may be going on around us, in the room or in the world, love has made a triumphant call in this new life and the love that is so strong it seems palpable.
It is no secret that the first year of marriage for many young couples is the roughest. There are adjustments to be made, compromises and outright differences of opinion. What keeps the marriage going is the foundation and expression of love. Whatever happens, when there is love, the marriage not only continues, it flourishes. This week a wonderful couple I know celebrated their 60th anniversary. That is a lot of loving.
Whatever sins the gay community, as a group or as individuals, may be guilty of they are overcome by the love that the community exudes. First, let me point out that the sins are far greater in the minds of the self righteous and loveless than they actually are. Perhaps for the very reason we are called gay, the joy and exuberance of the community is expressed in brotherhood, sisterhood, community and expressions of love that are freeing and natural. Perhaps there is too much familiarity in those expressions, ( who am I to judge? ) but they certainly exhibit the signs and expressions of all kinds of love that overcomes any sins.
Life is precious and fragile. We really do not know when the end is coming for each of us. We must celebrate life, live it to the fullest. Each moment must be be filled as much love as we can muster because whatever faults we have, whatever mistakes we may make, it is love that will conquer all.
The end of all things is near; therefore be serious and discipline yourselves for the sake of your prayers. Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
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