Reflection for SUNDAY 26th April
REFLECTIVE MEDITATION FOR SUNDAY 26th APRIL 2020
“For the fruit of the Spirit is LOVE.............” (Galatians 5:22) NIV
To Love, to Be Loved
God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us, so that we’re free of worry on Judgment Day—our standing in the world is identical with Christ’s. There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life—fear of death, fear of judgment—is one not yet fully formed in love.
We, though, are going to love—love and be loved. First we were loved, now we love. He loved us first. (1 John 4:17-19) The Message
This mediation comes from Dirt, Mess and Danger (Glendon Macaulay)
The words in italics are CH4 115 Love is the touch.
Love is the touch of intangible joy;
love is the force that no fear can destroy;
love is the goodness we gladly applaud:
God is where love is, for love is of God
LOVE comes laughing, bringing joy, lightness, light.
LOVE comes laughing in the face of fear, saying, “Listen! There is nothing more powerful than me.
LOVE comes laughing when generosity is offered, and where sharing is gratefully received;
Where neighbour helps neighbour, and friendship is honoured in sacrifice.
LOVE comes laughing, for love lives there, for God is where love is, for love is of God.
Love is the lilt in a lingering voice;
love is the hope that can make us rejoice;
love is the cure for the frightened and flawed:
God is where love is, for love is of God.
LOVE comes lightly, in affirming tones which encourage and hearten;
In gentle silences that say clearly: “I care for you”
In simple acts of kindness that often go unnoticed; in cuddles of comfort that say: I am here for you”
LOVE comes lightly, for love lives there, for God is where love is, for love is of God.
Love is the light in the tunnel of pain;
love is the will to be whole once again;
love is the trust of a friend on the road:
God is where love is, for love is of God.
LOVE comes powerfully, bringing healing, releasing possibility, instilling hope:
When open hands are held out as a sign of reconciliation;
When embracing arms say: “I’ll help you, for this road is hard”
When solidarity with those who are powerless creates new vision and births a brand new purpose;
When troubled brows are soothed, and tear soaked tears are dried, and worries are put to bed.
LOVE comes powerfully, for love lives there, for God is where love is, for love is of God.
Love is the Maker and Spirit and Son;
love is the kingdom their will has begun;
love is the pathway the saints all have trod:
God is where love is, for love is of God.
LOVE Divine, living love among us, give us the grace to be like you.
May God bless oyu this day,
Elizabeth
You have shown us how and why and where.
May we follow you in the way of the kingdom, until the kingdom comes fully, and the world is one.
God bless you this Lord’s day.
