Love is patient, love is kind.
It is not jealous, it is not pompous,
It is not inflated, it is not rude,
it does not seek its own interests,
it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury,
it does not rejoice over wrongdoing
but rejoices with the truth.
It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails.
We have heard these words of Saint Paul proclaimed at countless weddings, but beyond the wedding, do we truly embrace the meaning of love in our life with Jesus? Surely these noble qualities of love serve as a reminder of right living, but a word about the context of Paul’s letter will help. Paul is writing to a newly-formed Church in Corinth to remind them to live according to what they know about Jesus and to leave their own egos and agendas out of the picture. Simply put, if we substitute the name “Jesus” for the word “love” we will know how to live out our discipleship. Watching and listening to how Jesus navigated a complex world will help us to live better. If we use the qualities of “love” listed above as an examination of conscience or as a monthly evaluation of how we are living with Christ and one another, then we can see more clearly a path to consolation and a more peaceful heart and home. I know this will work because Jesus – who is Love — never fails!
May you always experience the deep and abiding love of the Trinity.
