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by Rev. Fr. V.V. Paulose, Toronto, Canada
“But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners." (Romans 5:8)
'While we were still sinners,' these are amazing
words. God sent Jesus Christ to die for us, not because we were good enough, but
just because he loved us. When ever you feel uncertain about God’s love for you,
remember that he loved you even before you turned to him.
St. Paul says, three most important things in life are: "Faith, hope, and
love……….But the greatest of these is love.” In other words, all we need in this
life is love. Jesus showed that in his life by his death on the cross.
Love seems impotent in the face of natural calamities, disease, war and poverty.
Still, when relationships are strained and faith is tested and hopes seems lost,
Paul’s ancient wisdom of love rings true.
Horace and Louise were staunch fundamental Christians. When they heard that
their son Mike got AIDS and he was gay, they were shocked. It was a
soul-wrenching time for them. What should they do with their son? Many people
profess to “hate the sin, love the sinner,” but few are tested like this couple.
They took the decision to take care of Mike in their home. "There was no other
way,” Louise said. "We loved Mike. We loved him dearly and we still do. We
wanted to do every thing we could for him ourselves.” They loved him. Mike once
told to them “I love you too” and he was sorry to cause them such pain.
By trying to sanitize illness and dying, we are inadvertently separate and
isolate the people we love, and in the process, we isolate ourselves. Isolation
is the opposite of loving connection. Jesus' love is inclusive, ever
encompassing to all of us.
Jesus, sickness and the fear of sickness is
haunting us. The world is isolating us and we are stigmatized. You are the only
hope and love. Let us feel your presence, love, and care. We ask this in the
name of Jesus.
Amen.
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