Love to Live to Love

Love to Live to Love

by Ian Mascarenhas

   The “world” tells us at this time of year to focus on love in a special way because of Valentines Day.  But really we are reminded about love each time we attend Mass and hear about Jesus — His life, message, suffering, death and resurrection — to reconnect us with the kingdom (and family) of God.

   God is love and always has been.  We are created out of love, to live.  But as we live we also connect with love.  Love and life are connected for and with each other.

   Love blossoms in us a fullness of life and a fulfillment of life.  In words like caring, kindness, service, charity, compassion — all have connections that enhance loving actions and improve life.

   We all have a space within us that is meant for God, but sometimes we try to fill it with other things.  Pursuing those “other things” always leaves an empty feeling.  But loving God does not mean excluding others.  Rather loving God is inclusive, to love others also.

   It becomes a circular journey of love and life.  And the ultimate pursuit is e-life (eternal life) with God; so live to (& towards) Love!

The 2nd Group of (not so) wisemen

The 2nd Group of (not so) wisemen

   Matthew 2: 1-12 is the story of the Magi (aka “The wise men”) who visited Jesus and brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.  But who were the 2nd group of wise men, or really they were not.  They’re in that same story.

   When the Magi came into Jerusalem, they went to Herod, inquiring about “the newborn king of the Jews.”  Herod was “disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.”  So he called his advisors to inquire about the “new king.”

   They told him of the sign (the star) and the predictions (birth in Bethlehem).  So Herod asks the Magi to come back and tell him where the child is, that he “may go and pay him homage”; reality plan — get rid of this newborn king.

  So Herod’s advisors were that 2nd Group of wise men, as they knew the signs and predictions.  But they were comfortable with Herod in power, and being by his side, they shared some of that good life.  Thus they did not want some new king to upset their status and lifestyle.

   Even though they were close, they weren’t willing to make that journey to meet Jesus.  The Magi traveled a great distance to find Jesus.  So in our faith journey, are we comfortable keeping Jesus at a distance, to not upset our conveniences?  Or do we leave our comfort zone to grow in our faith, and care for others’ needs as Jesus challenges us to do (Matthew 25: 31-46).