“If I have all the eloquence of men or angels, but speak without love, I am simply a gong booming or a cymbal clashing. If I have the gift of prophesy, understanding all the mysteries there are, and knowing everything, and if I have faith in all its fullness to move mountains but am without love, then I am nothing at
all.”
~1 Corinthians 13:1~
1 Corinthians 1: 12:31-13:13
Sunday’s second reading from 1 Corinthians is an extraordinary revelation that love transforms gifts and skills into something powerful and revolutionary. Perhaps we can re-envisage the text in our own context: I may be a successful businesswoman or even the President of a country, but if my actions don’t flow from love, success means nothing in the long haul. I may have money and be a great philanthropist, but it is empty if my giving
is not motivated by love. I may understand how to use technologies to connect people across the world, but if love is absent, deep connection is missing.
We may use our talents and become powerful, wealthy and influential but die without feeling seen, known and loved. Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple and a genius, died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 56. In his final days, he wrote a letter with what he wanted others to know. It’s worth reading all of it. Here is part of it which reads: “I reached the pinnacle of success in the business world. In others’ eyes, my life is an epitome of
success. However, aside from work, I have little joy…At this moment, lying on the sick bed and recalling my whole life, I realise that all the recognition and wealth I took so much pride in have paled and become meaningless in the face of impending death….Treasure love for your family, love for your spouse, love for your friends. Treat yourself well. Cherish others…”
We are always discovering what it is to love. Ultimately, Paul is saying that in the final analysis, it is all that matters – all that lasts.
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Loving God,
Help me to remember to ask myself,
Am I allowing others to love me,
And am I loving them?
Have I got confused and over-focused
on things that though they seem essential now,
will mean little at the moment my life ends.
Help me to choose always love as the centre of my life.
Amen.
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Reflection prepared by Annemarie Paulin-Campbell
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Lent for Children
A morning for children to hear stories, share and explore creative activities and practices for the Lenten season.
Led by Gillian Hugo.
DATE: 5 March 2022. 09.30 - 12.00
VENUE: 15 Molesey Avenue, Auckland Park, 2092
COST: R250. Drinks and snacks will be provided.
To Book - complete the Registration Form - Recollection Days
Email retreats@jesuitinstitute.org.za
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