Lately, I have been listening to a lot of TED-X talks. The topics initially have been random. Eventually, there would be a run of them on this or that. These are all on YouTube. You can find absolutely anything on YouTube, it’s kind of scary. If you just let the videos run one after another you have no idea what you will be listening and watching next, and they will not all be TED-X talks, though I don’t always agree with them. Somehow the topic evolved into NDE, Near Death Experiences.
Many of the NDE stories are quite compelling, and have similar characteristics in their stories. Though NDEs are a personal struggle for me with my Catholic beliefs.
The most interesting concept shared by the majority of those allegedly with NDE are the messages they return with. The most common message they return with refer to the two Laws of God: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all the soul, and with all thy mind”, and “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” This has stirred my heart, mind, and soul, in so many way.
The question asked throughout time: What is love? Is it a feeling, an emotion, an action?
In the Merriam-Webster dictionary there are about 9 listed various definitions for love, one of which says:
“a: “unselfish, loyal and benevolent, a concern for the good of another: such as
(1) : the fatherly concern of God for humankind
(2) : brotherly concern for others
b: a person’s adoration of God”
WOW!!! If you read the whole definition when you follow the above link I might have just opened a can of worms! I may or may not agree with all it says in Merriam-Webster, but I do with this part. Jim Blackburn of Catholic Answers writes, “In Cardinal Levada’s glossary, charity (or love) is defined as, “The theological virtue by which we love God above all things for his own sake, and our neighbor as ourselves for the love of God.” Paul tells us that love is the greatest of the theological virtues: “So faith, hope, love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love” (1 Cor. 13:13).”
My thought, like many, is that God is Love.
How are we to love? If God is Love, and we are to love one another, then are we to be God-like to each other? What is “God-like”? In my experience and knowledge that I have gained over the years (and I am no expert) we are to treat each other as we would treat a child. And it has also been said that we should treat others as we would want to be treated. Provide others for their needs, forgive them when they make mistakes, provide guidance so that they can make a wise choice, protect them from harm, show compassion, kindness, and mercy. Be there for one another when called upon, even if it is only to lend an ear. Though I caution there are times when I have done some of this in the past only to find that I have enabled someone.
Overall, I have not been very good about this kind of love. I have learned in recent years, through my marriage, raising my children, and other events in my past, how to love. It has been difficult for me and I continue with this struggle. So now, every morning, whether I am heading into work, going to Church on Sunday, or just having an early cup of coffee on my back patio, I pray. I pray that God gives me the strength to stand strong, and to be “God-like”. I pray for the Holy Spirit to bestow upon me the gift or gifts the good Lord knows I need to do his will. To love.
I leave you with a quote: “People were made to be loved, and things were made to be used. But often we get this confused, and many of the world’s problems are caused because we love things and use people.” Matthew Kelly in his book, “Rediscover Jesus”
Please, share with me your thoughts on this. I would love to know what you think. Is this helpful?
Have a glorious week filled with love!