Faith for Today
A colleague once posed the question, “if you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?” Instantly I answered, I would end war. My endeavor would be for world peace. “Oh” he said, “you are going for something huge, what about the little things?” At that moment I admitted how complicated this would be to achieve, and yet how anything I can change begins with the smallest adjustments in my own life. Bishop Michael Curry inspired millions as he invited the royal couple and their guests to imagine a world where love is the way, where actions and insights and planning and lifestyle are inspired by love. We can believe it when we sing along with the Beatles “All You Need is Love” but living into that refrain is much more difficult.
I think we can agree that the central message of the Gospel is focussed on love. In a myriad of ways, Jesus demonstrates complete and self giving love and even understanding the concept of God mandates an appreciation for love. Engaged in a conversation with a friend about the existence of God, as he insisted that believing in the presence of God was not rational, I invited him to explain the rationality of falling in love. The truth is that beyond the biological need for procreation, there is actually something real, though not rational, about falling in love. Moreover, love is often irrational, yet is among the most important things that happen in the course of our lives. Love really does change our world. It gives depth and meaning and purpose and hope a space to live in.
It sounds simple, but we know it isn’t. The Greek language offers some helpful insight. Six different words and concepts invite a broader understanding of love and naming them might be helpful as we define how love might be the key to a new world. They include: eros, the love expressed in passion and sexuality; philia, the love we feel in deep friendship; ludud, the playful love and affection between children and young lovers; agape, the love for humanity, pragma, the long standing love as witnessed in an old married couple who understand compromise and patience and tolerance; and finally philantia, not narcissistic love but the kind of self respect and care which enhances a wider capacity for love.
Imagining how our lives are invested in those ways to love might really be key. Those who hear the call of God, to love and serve and make the world a better place might do well to put each of these kinds of love in perspective and personally be the change the world needs. One person at a time what we imagine, can come true. That could be the transformative core of a faith for today.
Rev. Donna Tourneur lives and loves and works among the people of Trinity United Church, New Glasgow.