Love Is All That Endures

St. Paul tells us that God's love being perfected in us looks like this: "Love is patient and is kind. Love is not jealous. Love does not puff itself up nor push itself forward. Love does not behave in ways that are unseemly. Love does not seek its own end. Love is not easily provoked. Love does nothing evil. Love does not rejoice in sin but rejoices in truth." (1 Cor 13:4-6)

In order to do the good we wish to do in our lives and for others, in the lives of others, we must know how to bear evil, how to renounce in advance any signs we might give off of being annoyed, having a temper, or being sharp in manner.

We must be patient with others, as God is patient with us, and patience demands courage and fortitude. Often, love will demand we be patient because of the defects of others, but we also have defects, defects that can be the root of our annoyance with another.

Through love we imitate God, God who suffers for our sins for so long and is so kind and patient and always has as its goal our perfection.

Love is always disposed to the good of everyone. Love finds room for everyone in a kind and generous heart, just as God finds forgiveness and mercy in His heart toward us. Love rejoices when the other person succeeds, even when we do not.

Love does not gossip or tell the wrongs of others. Love is not happy when another person falls, even when we are made to look good because of their fall. Love is not rude or crude, does not embarrass or make another person the brunt of a joke that makes them look bad. Love serves others and love's only concern is for their good and success. Love does not push itself forward or seek to get ahead at the expense of others.

Love seeks Jesus Christ. Love seeks the heart of Jesus Christ. Love seeks to endure all wrong against itself for the sake of Jesus Christ, imitating his humility, imitating his passion, imitating his crucifixion and death.

Thus, in the end, love is all that endures, for love is God. Love is Jesus Christ. Love is the Holy Spirit. Love is our beginning and our end.

Therefore, these three things endure, faith, hope and love, but the greatest of these is love.

The Reverend Paul E. Lockey, Ph.D.
Pastor, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church and Schools

Every week our pastor, Fr. Lockey, writes a letter "From Your Pastor" for our Sunday bulletin. The above letter appeared in this past weekend's bulletin. It is one of many that I have saved to re-read and reflect upon. Thank you, dear Lord, for Fr. Lockey's presence in our lives, for his insights, wisdom and example that help us grow in Your love!