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LV 19:1-2,17-18, 1 Cor 3:16-23, Mt. 5:38-38
"Love changes everything…”
There is no ambiguity in today’s readings. They come through loud and clear: let go of revenge and grudges, love your neighbor as yourself, turn the other cheek, always remember the Holy Spirit dwells within you, and most challenging of all, love your enemies.
How can we learn to love a person who holds ideas far from our own? How do we forgive when all we want to do is get even? What does it mean to love your neighbor as yourself?
There are no easy answers to these questions, however, keeping the Holy Spirit close and recognizing the love of God is universal and unconditional for all people, those within our orbit we love and those we want nothing to do with, may help.
As I reflected on the readings a favorite song came to mind, Aspects of Love, from the musical of the same name written by Andrew Lloyd Weber. Experiencing the play 34 years ago in London it seemed to my much younger mind quite avant-garde. It was an extravagant production about three generations of a family and their loves, lives and losses in post-war France and Italy.
The song begins with the words, “Love changes everything, hands and faces, earth and sky. Love changes everything, the way you live and the way you die…nothing in the world will ever be the same,” and ends with,” Love will never let you be the same.” The music touches your soul and lifts your spirits in a way few things can.
While the words of the song describe romantic love they go beyond that to describe the love we feel for family, friends and ultimately for the love of God. The decision to love another, respect another despite differences, forgive another and let go of resentment changes the trajectory of life. It is true you will never be the same.
Scripture passages are far deeper than music. They beg for time and reflection. The ones we read today offer ideals to strive for and if incorporated into our lives can bring peace. Sometimes, however, the reflection prompted by music, with beautiful melodies and meaningful words helps us figure out how to live as the scriptures teach.
Click on the link below to hear the song. It might be a keeper for you, too.
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=7GsZM5mOZPw
Peace,
Anne
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