Homily: 4th Sun. in Ordinary Time, YR. C
“Love is a Challenge”
By William Holtzinger
Feb. 1, 2004

Today we heard from the one of the most popular verses in the Scriptures. It is often called the “Love Chapter” because it so beautifully reflects on the qualities of love. It is certainly beautiful and poetic. It is also one of the most challenging chapters in the New Testament.

Chapter 13 of first Corinthians confronts our basic notions and beliefs about love. If I were to interview our community, I bet many of us would describe love as the emotion that we call romance. How many couples here today actually used this Scripture in the wedding? (wait for a show of hands) It is very well suited for weddings. Yet, this Scripture verse is far removed from our popular notions of love.

St. Paul describes love in terms of the most difficult things. True love demands changes in our common behavior. It might be the easiest thing to do with whom we already get along. Jesus (Luke 6:32) reminds us that even sinners can love those who love them. But, what about those with whom we don’t get along. Those situations are the most difficult, yet possibly the most powerful and grace-filled. In this other context, Paul’s description of love challenges more than it comforts us. So, let’s look at this Scripture in the context with those whom we don’t like. For Christians, love is not a suggestion, but a demand (John 15:12), it is the mark by which the world will come to know whom we follow (John 13:35). It is the way that others will come to know Christ (John 17:26):

Love is patient with those who are not patient with us.

Love is kind to those who are not kind in return. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus offers the insight that God is kind to all no matter their moral fiber (Luke 6:35).

Love tells us not to be jealous of another person’s things, abilities, beauty, or riches.

Love demands humility especially in the face of those who are arrogant. Out love in the face of this kind of person demonstrates the greater love of Christianity.
Love demands that we know our true place in the world and not exaggerate our abilities or importance, especially around those who exaggerate and lie about who they are.

Love demands that we make sure that others come first, not ourselves. (You see ultimately, love is not about ourselves. Too often we begin with ourselves. We ask questions about life that are self-centered: ie. “What am I going to do with my life?” “What do I want to do?” We rarely ask, “What is the right thing to do?” or “What does God want and not what I want?”) Love demands that others come first, even when they don’t deserve it.

Love demands that we keep our temper and not return anger, especially when the other has lost their temper and yells at us. It may seem justified to return the “favor,” yet we simply lower ourselves and discredit ourselves as Christians to do so. Jesus challenges us when he tells us to love our enemies (Luke 6:27).

Love demands that we forgive others and let go of the memory. How often have we allowed ourselves to hold on to our hurts and hold it against another our entire life. That is not love. That kind of behavior is common and it destroys everything in it’s path, especially ourselves. Again, Jesus offers the challenge that forgiving and being forgiven is a form of “great love (Luke 7:47).

Love demands compassion towards those who have hurt us. Love’s standard tells us that just because someone has wronged us, we are not to return the favor. That’s right. Revenge is not love. It is sin.

Love demands that we give thanks and encourage the truth wherever we find it, especially in those we wish would fail or those who we believe don’t deserve it.

Love demands and gives us the ability to wait for things to happen. How many times have we demanded change in our loved one right now and not made any changes in ourselves?

Love demands that we believe that no matter what, God will use the current situation for His good, the greater good. This means that we may suffer. You see love is bigger than our personal needs and our wants. The standard of love is the standard of the Cross. In fact, sacrificial love is the greatest love of all, despite what some pop songs might say (John 15:12, Romans 5:8).

Love gives us the ability to hope in the most saddest times. At the death of a loved one, love gives us the knowledge and consolation of God’s mercy.

Love gives us the power to endure the injustice that comes from other’s actions.

With Love, with true love, not the love of romance novels or movies, with true love in our hearts we will know that no matter what things happen to us, God will save us. With love, our faith and hope will strengthen us to never fail.

So go forth from this Church today and love. It won’t be easy. You will suffer. But, the rewards are eternal (Matthew 6:20, Luke 6:22-23).