From the Chaplains

As a child of the ‘60s I think fondly of the Lennon/McCartney song All you need is love from the Beatles era as a great summary of Valentine’s Day. However, if we think deeply about love, and the gospel of this week, which is Luke 6:27-38, Jesus invites us to look beyond what we think our notion of love is. For indeed Love is action.

Love your enemies, if someone takes your coat, let them have your shirt too, give to everyone who asks you, …if you love people who love you, why should you ask for a blessing…

Loving those who hurt us is a hard teaching to follow. Family members, friends, former partners, persons at work, social circles can sometimes erode our very essence. In other words, love can wear us down. Then there is the enemy within, the one that gives us deprecating self-talk, uncertainty, and fear. Jesus says, “Bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you.”

Blessing someone can mean so many things, all of which reflect the compassion and never-ending love of God. This is navigating the acceptance of a person for who they are as a child of God, rather than their action that has brought us pain. This can be a liberating moment and gives a new definition to how we look at love. Christians know this as Agape love – the unconditional love that demands nothing in return. There is a balance that comes with this spiritual practice for it is not something we as humans can comprehend without acknowledging our own place in the deep heart of God. This also means knowing when not to have someone walk all over us just because we love them. Harsh words to attend to.

As you continue to live through February 2022, hopefully like me you can appreciate the seldom sunny days and draw strength from the warmth given in these moments. Life is in the present and whatever our disappointments are and wherever our weaknesses live, may the love of those around us give us healing and hope. Here is a cartoon image and some thoughts from Leunig who offers us great wisdom in times when we seek it.

And let’s not forget the actual St Valentine, the man who sacrificed his life to let young couples marry in the eyes of God, when it was banned for all. What a guy. He’s worth celebrating too. – Donna Ashworth

Blessings, safety and peace.

Reverend Punam Bent

College Chaplain

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