It Can Only Be Love

It Can Only Be Love

January 16, 2013

Wednesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time

By Colleen O'Sullivan

… (T)herefore, he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every way, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest before God to expiate the sins of the people.  Because he himself was tested through what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.  (Hebrews 2:17-18)

On leaving the synagogue Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John.  Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever.  They immediately told him about her.  He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up.  Then the fever left her and she waited on them.  (Mark 1:29-31) 

Piety

Precious Lord, take my hand,

lead me on, let me stand,

I am tired, I am weak, I am worn.

Through the storm, through the night,

lead me on to the light;

take my hand, precious Lord,

lead me home.

(Precious Lord, words and music by Thomas A. Dorsey)

Study

I almost hate to pick up the newspaper or turn on the news anymore.  I can’t get out of my head the long, sad road all those families in Newtown, CT, have ahead of them, trying to go on without the precious children and other family members they lost.  Equally distressing is the acquaintance who said to me, I don’t get it.  I don’t feel anything about it.  Everybody’s talking about how beloved these kids were.  I was never precious to my parents.  There were a lot of us.  My mother said it was her duty to raise us, now get out of her way.  Suffering all around.  Not a very pretty sight.

Yet, Jesus chose to become one of us, to share in this messy world where violence, hatred and indifference toward each other abound.  The more you think about it, the greater the mystery of it all.  Why would God’s Son, who could have remained with his Father in the comfort of their heavenly realm, want to be with us?  We don’t love God like we ought to.  We don’t love each other like we should.  We don’t even always know how to love ourselves.  It’s a mystery why Jesus didn’t count equality with God the thing he would hold onto, but instead was willing to become like you and me and suffer all the ills we human beings are subject to.  It’s the mystery of divine love.  In order to save us from the mess we’ve created, Jesus entered the fray of human existence.  It could only be Love.

It’s Love who takes us by the hand when we’re laid low by sin, or illness or despair.  It’s Love who raises us up and restores us to community.  It’s Love who gives us strength to get back on our feet to serve one another in Christ’s name.

Action

When was the last time you found yourself flat on your back, unable to move?  Lost your job.  Realized how much you hurt a loved one.  Discovered your marriage was over when your spouse walked out.  Admitted you had committed a grievous sin.  Received an ominous medical diagnosis.

Fill in the blank, because we’ve all been there.  Maybe you’re there today.  If so, cry out to the Lord of Love.  He will hear your call.  He will take your hand, raise you up, and your life will go on.