The Father and I are One

Many generations ago C.S. Lewis wrote an essay entitled, The Four Loves.  As a book this became very popular and offered another understanding of love and companionship in the 60s and the 70s.  Lewis proposed that Charity was the highest of all for the loves since it best imitated the outpouring of the Father's love upon the world.  The first encyclical of Benedict XVI was on the virtue of love, specifically 'Caritas.' 

In John's Gospel we have an extensive dialogue in Jesus unfolds the relationship that exists between him and the Father.  "The Father and I are one."  This sentiment will conclude with a prayer in which Jesus will prayer that the same unity that exists between the Father and the Son, will also be extended to the apostles as well.  Of course the modem of this communion is the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

St. Paul writes a treatise on 'Love' which all the brides love to have at their weddings.  Paul exhorts us to an understanding of Love which is selfless and self-giving.  Pride, arrogance, selfishness, have not place in a loving relationship.  The cross becomes a model of the kind of love which is conveyed here.  It is a relationship which goes to the cross time and again.  Dying also allows resurrection to take place.  This is why Mark's Jesus keeps challenging the disciples with a very radical vision of the Kingdom of God.

Like in the synoptic Gospels, John keeps re-orientating us to the Kingdom, and the Paschal Mystery.  The journey to  Jerusalem is fraught with obstacles and distractions.  "Father don't you think Jesus would understand?"  I get this question sometimes, especially from students after a class on Catholic teachings.  Uncle Ottis or Aunt Henrietta are understanding of some of our frump and nabob choices.  And to be sure God understands human frailty; but calls us to conversion and discipleship.

Knowing that God loves us faithfully and totally allows us to love one another, and ourselves.  More than having a warm feeling for another, love seeks to heal, reconcile, challenge, and to give new life.  It is an action which continues to direct us to what is good and true.  We are made for God and are to commit our very selves to God, as God is committed to us.  May we be holy as God is holy.