Monday - 20th Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel – Matthew19:16-22

Where’s the Love?

Wedding Day, 8/17/74

What is love?  How would you define/describe it? 

It’s when he invites her over for dinner for the first time and the entire meal comes out of a can.  And yet she came back for another cooking adventure.

It’s when he was recovering from back surgery, a 6-month process, and she was the best nurse and caregiver ever!

It’s when she laughs at his jokes, as corny and dad-like as you can imagine!

It’s when her patience shines forth when his handyman projects go completely south, kind of like sticking his foot in the paint can.

It’s when he has a nice cup of hot tea ready for her when she wakes up every morning.

It’s when she bakes his favorite cake or he brings her flowers, for no particular reason or occasion, just because!

It’s when they decide to go out for dinner and then spend a half-hour deciding on the restaurant because each of them wants to pick the other one’s favorite.

It’s when the two of them work together in perfect harmony to prepare the evening meal.

It’s when they both can finish the other one’s sentences!

It’s when they hold hands wherever they are!

It’s when he realizes that, just because he loves surprise birthday parties, it doesn’t mean she does!

It’s when “stuck” becomes a foundational and positive element of their relationship!

The rich young man in today’s Gospel is also stuck but is so much different!  He knows what he has to do to become a follower of Jesus.  He has obeyed all the laws of Moses; what else is there to do?  Another version of this story tells of Jesus looking on this young man with love.  All he has to do is let go of his possessions, his selfishness, and return that love. But he can’t do it.  For him, it’s his physical possessions, all his stuff!  What’s missing??  Compassion!  Concern for others!  Love!!

What is Love??  It’s when, exactly 52 years ago today, in front of our family and friends, she said, “I DO” and he promised to make his life journey with her at his side! Happy Anniversary, Ginger!

Great Spirit, help us all to live a good life, a life of peace and justice, of trust and honesty, of respect and honesty, a willingness to learn and grow in wisdom and grace and, most importantly, a life of love!!


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