Lectionary: 54
Adults: When have you seen the power of love overcome a bad situation?
Children: Do you believe love is stronger than hate? Why?
by Thomas Gette
When we gaze at the stars, we behold a wonder like no other. The size of the galaxies and stars is unfathomable. We on Earth are but dust in relation to the cosmos.
Reflecting on this gives us a small glimpse into the awesome power of God "who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and its produce, who gives breath to its people and spirit to those who walk on it: . . ." (Isaiah 42:5). With simple speech God spoke everything into existence. And bearing his imprint, the "heavens declare the glory of God" (Psalm 19:1).
As powerful as this act of creation was, it pales in comparison to the true power of the universe: Love.
The Lord of the Universe created us with free will. What a great risk! C.S. Lewis said in Mere Christianity: "Of course God knew what would happen if they used their freedom the wrong way: apparently He thought it worth the risk." People use their freedom for diabolic things every day. But when we exercise our will for the sake of love, we exercise a power greater than the creation of the universe.
This might all sound very lofty and heroic, but let us remember that love is often manifest in the small things—a kind gesture, a warm smile, a firm handshake, holding the door for someone, or saying thank you. These are all examples of the small ways that love wins over evil. When we begin the practice of love in the little things, we develop the fortitude to practice love in the big things.
This is, after all, the example God gives us in becoming human. The Lord of the Universe became a helpless baby as part of God’s great plan to save humanity. He then proceeded to live an ordinary human life. It was in Christ’s final hours—through his Passion and Death, and by his Resurrection—that the Father’s great love was so powerfully revealed.
In Romans 12:9-21, St. Paul describes the marks of a true Christian. Verse 21 reminds us: "Do not be conquered by evil but conquer evil with good." We really can make a difference in the world. When our lives manifest love and goodness, we exercise the greatest power in the universe.