A Voice for one who has died
Called to an Everlasting Love
To a pessimist, this may appear nonsensical. “ What” they might ask, “is love in a world filled with hate, greed, and too many hypocrites?” An optimist on the other hand will not ask but seek to find the better way to extend this virtue for everyone
Are we called to this thing called love with so many versions and trials of holding dear to our hearts when challenges constantly bereave us?
Jesus told his disciples this command regarding love: “I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so should you love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (Jn 13: 34 - 35).
Often we may quote stories of people who have confronted rapists/murders of young women, perhaps their only daughter(s). In order that the pain does not cripple them in addition to what they’ve already experienced, they forgive the perpetrator(s). Easy to do Absolutely not! Then why would Jesus put such a goal before us when the real evil intent cannot be understood with these criminally led people?
Is that such a difficult question to ascertain, especially for Christians? The real answer lies not in following an ideal spelled out in manuals of do’s and don'ts for those studying about Christ, but the depth of our own sinfulness that Christ went to Calvary for.
Some may say we were made this way, or God just doesn’t understand us poor human weak kneed children of the world’s pleasures so easy to attain.
Sin is the simple manner of attraction to something we can’t have and find it hanging in front of us like a carrot before a rabbit to entice his reaching for it regardless of the consequence.
Following his baptism, Jesus was led into the desert for 40 days and nights. After his time of fasting the devil approached him saying; “If you are the Son of God command this stone to turn into bread.” Jesus told him; “It is written, One does not live by bread alone.” The temptation was not to satisfy human hunger, it was designed to draw the Son of God away from his designated mission; which became the tempter’s desire. The sin of Jesus would be turning away from his Father by allowing the mission of the Incarnation to be just a theory of angels and Mary’s Yes to God.
Calvary, the borrowed tomb, and the words to the Magdala “Mary” and her response to Rabboni (teacher)! A final sign of the blow to Satan that Christ overcame his attempts to discredit God’s plan of saving mankind through this Everlasting Love of the Resurrection.
Of all the theological premises we adhere to regarding sacraments, religion,Dogmas, and all the gifts of the Holy Spirit, it is Love alone and our willingness to live it for God and each other that will follow you and me into heaven and eternal life with the Triune God, in Everlasting Love!
Ralph B. Hathaway