1 Samuel 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23 1Corinthians 15:45-49 Luke 6:27-38
Remember
to LOVE
In mathematics there is a principle known as “Zero Sum Theory”. The Miriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as: A situation in which a gain for one side entails a corresponding loss for the other side. Think of it like this: There is a cherry pie sitting on the kitchen table, cut into six pieces. If I get to it before you do, and I eat four pieces, there are only two pieces left for you (and I will forever be known as a glutton).
If we try to apply Zero Sum Theory to emotions such as love, here is what happens: I would start with a specific amount of love in my heart; and the more I would give to one particular person, the less I would have for another person. Jesus came to earth to assure us that love is not limited by the Zero Sum Theory. In fact, the more love one learns to give - to another person, to a group of people, to the environment, etc. - the more love one receives and the more love one wants to continue giving. In a very real sense God is love! In today’s gospel reading, God is teaching us that love is not a traditional mathematical concept. Love is not a “limited commodity”. Kind of like a muscle, love grows when it is used (that is, given out to others).
In 1970 an American rock group named “Edison Lighthouse” recorded a love song titled: Love Grows Where My Rosemary Goes. It is a cute, light-hearted song that chronicles the story of how much the singer and his girlfriend share a love for one another. While it is by no means a religious song; in several lyrics near the conclusion it shines a radiant light on what love can bring to the world, as the artists sing:
“It (Love) keeps growing every place she’s been….”
“If you’ve met her, you’ll never forget her….”
“Better believe it when you’ve seen it….”
In an interesting way, Rosemary is a bit like Jesus. With the parables he told, the healing he did, and the compassion he constantly demonstrated, he sowed seeds of love. As we know, not all of his seeds sprouted and grew. However, that did not stop him from planting them.
And, by the power of The Holy Spirit, he is still planting them today, right here in our hearts. But our mission - to grow these seeds of love - is not easy. I realize this fact every time I contemplate hurting someone who offended me; and every time I pass judgement on another person. If only I could remember Jesus’ words: “For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.” Those words are a good reminder. I pray that your memory will be better than mine!
by: Bill Miller
댓글