The Commandment to Love

Dear Readers:  Another apology.  Technonlogy grabbed me by the foot yesterday and the slice of bread I wrote ended up on an entirely new blog that went nowhere.  I'm back on track now, and will incorporate a bit of what I wrote yesterday (since I can't find it) in today's post.  Ah, the wonders of this ever-changing world!

St. Paul reminds us that "whatever other commandment there may be, [it] is summed up in this saying, namely, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'" (Romans 13: 9).  We are admonished these days more and more to "be good to yourself", so much so that anything goes, as long as it makes ME feel good.  The heck with you.  So, it's become a very "me-centered" culture.  Just observe what happens at a four-way stop, or when a pedestrian just walks onto the street anywhere, anytime without looking.  ME FIRST.
St. Paul is not talking about this self-centered love, but one which demands the sacrifice of self for the sake of another, as Jesus gave his LIFE for us.  In today's Gospel, Jesus urges us to reach out and communicate with those who are straying from the right path...out of love, not out of destructive criticism.  It takes courage to put this kind of love into practice, for we know that we are not perfect and the finger can be pointed at us in an instant.  Yet, love demands this outreach, and love gives the strength and power to do it.
Friday night in Lawrence saw a huge outpouring of devotion, celebration and festivity which will come to a literally banging conclusion tonight as the Feast of the Three Saints ends.  It's amazing how the lives of three brother in their early twenties, St. Alfio, Filadelpho and Cirino, who in mid-third centruy Sicily in a town most of us never heard of, Lentino, still have an amazing impact today.  These three Christians were tortured, imprisoned, given repeated opportunities to deny their faith and absolutely refused.  Their example of faithful and courageous love of God has touched the lives of millions over the centuries as year after year in Sicily, and for the last 88 years in Lawrence, MA, the St. Alfio Society commemorates their heroism, not just by a parade, an lively marching band, fireworks, shouts of "Viva Sant'Alfio" and FOOD, but by the prayers of these devout Society Members and the scholarships given to needy students from the proceeds of the festival.  Here love is put into attractive and effective action.  Everybody loves a parade, and good Italian sausage sandwiches, yet the benefit goes far beyond the stomach.  Love can be fun.  It's at the heart of Christianity, and for us Marists, at the root of our way of educating the young.  Love your neighbor as yourself.  Viva l'amour! Viva amore!
Bro. Rene