Love Can Save Us All

This morning I shared on Facebook a video by the Most Rev. Michael Curry, the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church of the United States; https://www.facebook.com/WNCathedral/videos/1179124769119484/

It is a short video in which Bishop Curry is imploring people to wear a face mask and as a way to minimize the spread of the Corona Virus and as a demonstration of our love for others.  As he states, this is an act of love that makes room for others in our lives and others can make room for us in the lives of others.  He closes by saying that “love can save us all.” 

This is true in a universal sense beyond the small symbol of wearing a mask in dealing with the Corona Virus.  Although, this is front and centre as a demonstration of love for others in this particular time.  My Facebook comment on this video was that this theme, “love can save us all” sums up the message and meaning of Jesus Christ.  Jesus responds to the Pharisee when asked which is the greatest commandment, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.’” (Matthew 22:34-40)

We can say it musically if that would help.  All of us baby boomer could turn to those musical  saints (or sinners, depending on your perspective), The Beatles, All You Need Is Love; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7xMfIp-irg.

This seems to be pretty clear and should, therefore, be the primary duty of all Christians.  Unfortunately, I must admit that this commandment is honoured more in the breech than the observance.  There is a reason for this – in my experience although it is a very clear message - it is, shall we say, less than easy to accomplish.  Consequently, I believe that many Christians decide that there are other things we are called to as Christians than loving others, or at least loving those who are not easy to love.  Jonathan Swift summed it up very nicely, “We have just enough religion to make us hate, but not enough to make us love one another.” 

So, if Bishop Curry is correct that love can save us, how are we Christians and I hope for the sake of the world, all humankind, actually love one another?  This does seem more than is possible for most people who are not saints.   I guess the answer is, one step at a time.  We can use something that seems a bit more self centered which may appeal to us, treat others the way you want to be treated.  If that sounds familiar it also goes by the name of the Golden Rule.  Specifically, as someone else said, “just do it”; wear a mask.

Blessings on your journey and don’t forget to wear your mask.