This weekend is Jan and Vicky’s first wedding anniversary. Congratulations to them both!
At last night’s Questions of Faith group, nine of us grappled with the idea of Christian love. To be honest I’m not exactly sure I can define love, at least no better than the apostle Paul’s description in 1 Corinthians 13:
Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.
However, last night I did learn that love is a paradox. It is required, and unrequited. It is a kiss. It is the power that holds the universe together. There is nothing more passive or more active. Confused? Love is never a trade, this for that. Love is a choice, moment to moment, in this moment, always now. It never gives what it does not own, or sacrifice anything but itself. It’s able to say ‘no’ and not feel guilty. It’s able to say ‘yes’ and completely let go. Oddly, love is not an emotion, although it may often feel like it. Love is the observer that understands that the ego is a vacuum that can never be filled, and the real self is eternal and complete. Love is the light that reveals reality and truth. It can never be bought or sold, only be experienced, because it is within you. It takes less than a moment to experience in its fullness, but in a million lifetimes you would not be able to create it.
I suspect that everyone came away with different thoughts and what I brought away may be very different to what someone else did. Or at least I hope so! I believe that good conversation gives us food for thought and an environment where it’s safe to change our mind. It’s what love does, which is ironically very different to the notions of love I was brought up with.
I pray that whatever this week brings you it does so with love; from those around you and from God. I pray that it supports, nurtures, and holds you. I pray that you be blessed.
Love
Rev. Michael
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DID YOU KNOW
That attending the Village MCC is a Buddhist, a Spiritualist, an Atheist, and a Pantheist? That we are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and other? That we are Male, female, and non-binary? We truly are Diversity in Love and Action!
DID YOU KNOW
You can volunteer with The Village MCC. You’re welcome to take part in worship, join Peta and Mary in the garden, help us at PRIDE, even volunteer June 16th on the safety forum bar at the Bear picnic in Dorset Gardens! Just come and talk to me – Michael.