01.31.16: Love Changes Everything

Bulletin column for St. Mary's Parish in Griffith, Ind., and Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in New Chicago, Ind.

We’re afraid of love. We’re afraid to say it. We’re afraid to feel it. We’re afraid to express it.

In our second reading today, Paul tells us all these great things about love. He says that it’s patient and kind, never jealous or pompous, never inflated or rude, but always “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

Friends, the love that Paul speaks of isn’t a romantic love, it’s that virtue of caritas. In this, to truly love another means not loving them for what they can do for us, but to have a deep care and concern for another because he or she is a beloved child of God. So what is there to fear? Well, I think that we fear ourselves, because it means we have to be vulnerable and open ourselves up to something greater, something that can be unknown.

In “Daring Greatly,” author Brene Brown defines vulnerability as “uncertainty, risk and emotional exposure.” She says, “Love is uncertain. It’s incredibly risky. And loving someone leaves us emotionally exposed. Yes, it’s scary and yes, we’re open to being hurt, but can you imagine your life without loving or being loved?”

Approach God with vulnerability. Tell God who you are, not the ‘you’ everyone sees, but the ‘you’ that you hide. Tell God about your fears and your struggles, your hopes and aspirations. Build a relationship with the one who has always loved you. You will not be disappointed. You will be loved.

Peace,

Jeff