I thought it was interesting that on Mother’s Day, the Gospel Reading included John 14:21. Jesus says to follow his two commandments. Both deal with love: Of God and of others.
My first teacher on this “love concept” was my mom. I reflected on the stages of my life and her approach to love. Of course, as a toddler, the theme was safety and hugs. As an adult child it grew into encouragement and a need to give advice. She taught me a lot about love.
Now back to those two “Love Commandments” Jesus gave us. As a child I was a rock star alter boy. No mass too early, no mass too long! When I was “in the groove,” I was on my way to being “pious.” However, once I removed my robes, it was a different story. I now need to love others. As a fat, uncoordinated kid, this was a challenge.
Nevertheless, I found that whether on the “mass side” or the “fat kid side,” I had some great support. Not always, but the Holy Spirit gave me a few small gems to hold onto.
As an adult, “the mass” and “the fat kid” gave me strength to move forward. I started to see “the mass” as expanding. My concept for God, for me, opened up to seeing the miraculous in nature, the arts, to a simple breath and smile of acknowledging the greater.
As for the “fat kid,” I lost the weight, gained social skills, and developed a strong sense of humor. I realized bringing groups of people together helped us all move forward.
Now all this sounds wonderful. But do you know what? From time to time, I experience doubt, anger, and frustration. I think: “Are these 2 commandments of love so unrealistic?”
This is when breathing helps. As I calm down it comes to me:” What can I do to move this forward to the love commandments?”
Is it:
· Letting go of a bias I still hold on so closely? (Yes mom, I no longer need to remember that rule about fingers and outlets.)
· Taking a hike to the river and seeing the grandeur of the scene and the beauty of a single blossom on a plant
· Being a bit more lighthearted in my approach. (What’s blue that doesn’t weigh much? Light blue!)
Mother’s Day is good to reflect on the love commandments. It helps us go back to the basics and see our journey of trying to move love forward.
Author: John Murphy – johnmurphy901@gmail.com