Love is Pain

Greetings on this the Tuesday of Fifth Week of Easter
Readings: Acts 14:19-28; PS 145:10-11, 12-13ab, 21; Jn 14:27-31a

First Reading
Paul’s missionary journey was not without painful difficulty.

They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city,
supposing that he was dead.

In instructing others about the trials ahead for the leadership of the faith, they said,

“It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God.”

Responsorial Psalm
But your task is so urgent and real, the Psalmist reassures:

Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your kingdom.

Gospel Portion
Knowing the immediacy of the passion, Jesus reassures them, that since you love me:

(Since) If you loved me,
you would rejoice that I am going to the Father.

and again

I am going away and I will come back to you.

Passion
The passion of Jesus Christ (trial, punishment, crucifixion, death) is the path chosen by the Father. It is a painful path. We know it is for the forgiveness of sin, the reparations, and propitiation.

He advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will.”
Withdrawing a second time, he prayed again, “My Father, if it is not possible that this cup pass without my drinking it, your will be done!”
(Matt 26:39, 42)

Jesus Sets His Path
The ruler of the world is coming.
He has no power over me,
but the world must know that I love the Father
and that I do just as the Father has commanded me.”

It is a most beautiful expression of love to abandon all one’s strength to the opposite of all that is good. Yet not to cooperate with Evil but to dismantle Evil once and for all.

Wuthering Heights
If you never read the novel it would be good summer reading.

Not to ruin it for anyone moved to read the story, let me say things this way.

Love is pain but not all pain is love.

(definition: careful effort; great care or trouble).

Our careful efforts are to heal and uplift, to provide aid in this life and assurance of eternal life. This was the Christ mission. This is our mission.

And its a pain.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry