Today is the Quinquagesima Sunday, a Sunday before the 1st Sunday of Lent in the Extraordinary Form. I pray that the three consecutive Sundays Pre-Lent have provided opportunity to prepare well for the observance of Ash Wednesday and the season of Lent. It makes sense having a PRE-LENT preparation to process our hearts and minds to plan out our spiritual journey which needs more focus and attention. There are many disruptions like the 58th National Football League game with so much cursing and derogatory words that come out of our mouths or from hearing other people’s untamed tongues.
Today’s epistle is taken from the famous letter of St. Paul to the 1st Corinthians, Chapter 13:1-13. The love has been beautifully described poetically by Paul to stir the hearts of the many readers. But this passage is good to our ears, simply warming our hearts, because it speaks about love, but it is also a challenge by calling us to repentance. It also helps us to understand this important knowledge of Love.
First, love, or charity, is our priority (vv1-3). I believe that when we go to the pearly gate of heaven, St. Peter would not ask us how much knowledge we have about the bible, whether we have that faith, or if we come to church daily, or how much money we have in the bank; rather, the most important question he would be asking is how faithful are you loving God and neighbor by concretizing that love. St. Paul says, “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.” He further said that even giving all our possessions to the poor, if there is no love it is nothing. Love must be there in all we do. I guess the people of Corinth were very proud of themselves which I think mirrors our own present attitude. Hence, St. Paul reminds us that without love all our spiritual gifts, talents and qualities are useless. We have gifts to build our community and church, not to boost or nurture our personal pride. Let love motivate our own behavior.
Second, we must know Love’s properties and what it looks like. (vv.4-7) St. Paul is direct to say that “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking…..always trust, hope and persevere.” This gives us a clear scenario about the people of Corinth being proud rather than humble, being rude and unforgiving, and some were taking others to court rather than reconciling their differences amicably. Thus, the behavior of the people of Corinth was falling far short of the standard of love that Paul was expecting from them. We too are guilty of pride rather than humility, of impatience rather than patience, and of evil rather than doing good according to the standards of God.
Third, from this passage we know that love is permanent. (vv.8-13). We are preparing for Valentine’s Day on Ash Wednesday. I heard that the imposition of ashes can be done by making the “Heart” symbol on your forehead. Well, it can be done in place of the Cross because Jesus Christ died for us because of His love. We also believe that “Love never ends.” St. Paul says, “Charity never falleth away.” (v.8) It means it will last forever. It is a virtue that never ends, and love or charity will always remain because it is a serious business to get to heaven. We will enjoy the love of God and the love of people, if we imitate the way Jesus loves us and His Church. The life of Jesus shows us the perfect example and encouragement to practice what He did.
The gospel narrates to us the willingness of Jesus, together with the 12 apostles, to go up to Jerusalem so that all things shall be accomplished. Jesus needs to fulfill the plan of His Father to save the world. Why? Because of His love, offering Himself completely was the only way to save us. He was not afraid or distracted. He was focused on His wisdom and love rather than being threatened by the opposition of many.
Our life with Jesus is to be like Him, to keep ourselves focused on the offering of our time and sacrifices in this coming season of Lent. By focusing on Jesus, then we will surely overcome all sorts of challenges. Be receptive of the Words and Sacraments as means to sanctify and heal us. The blind man said to Jesus, “I want to see.” It was a statement of Faith in the Lord. He believed Jesus could respond to his need in a situation of utter desperation.
Like the blind man, we are all beggars in front of Jesus, who is willing to meet our need for love, acceptance, forgiveness, purpose, and a new beginning. For by the grace and mercy of God, we too can see and grow in love.
God bless you.
Fr. Arlon, osa
