"Love to be real, it must cost, it must hurt, it must empty us of self,' (From the book Works Of Love Are Works Of Peace, Mother Teresa of Calcutta and the Missionaries of Charity, A Photographic Record by Michael Collopy).
The
most perfect example of love is the love of our Father. Sending
His only Son to become a babe, to walk the earth, to live His
life as a man, with the full knowledge of his impending death.
The knowledge of rejection, humiliation, hate and suffering that
he would experience. Yet, living this for those He loved! Showing
love and compassion in an incomprehensible way. One of His greatest
examples of this love is clearly revealed as he suffered on the
cross, never forgetting His great sacrificial love and compassion
for us. He spoke, "Jesus said, "Father, forgive them,
for they do not know what they are doing' (Luke 23:34). In His
own pain and suffering, He thought of us, not Himself. Compassionate,
caring words of a man who had suffered so much. Though the people
still did not understand who this man was, or His true intent.
"And they divided His garments and cast lots. And the people
stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying,
"He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ,
the chosen God." The soldiers also mocked Him, coming and
offering Him sour wine, and saying, "If You are the King
of the Jews, save Yourself." And an inscription also was
written over Him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew:
THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS
One
of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, "If
You are the Christ, save Yourself and us." But the other,
answered, rebuked him saying, "Do you not even fear God,
seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly,
for we receive the due rewards of our deed; but this man has done
nothing wrong." Then he said to Jesus, "Lord remember
me when you come into Your kingdom." And Jesus said to him,
"Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.'
(Luke 23:34-43)
Never thinking of Himself, always obedient to His Father and showing great love and compassion for those His Father loved. The beauty and depth of this brings forth a feeling in my spirit that is so great there are no words that are descriptive enough to hold the feeling and true meaning.
The words of Mother Teresa, "Love to be real, it must cost, it must hurt, it must empty us of self.' These words bring great joy to my heart as I look into the eyes of a sick child and know that searing pain in my heart is my Father's unfathomable love for that child and me.
Father,
I pray that you re-teach us this love. Show us how to truly love
one another with your love and not the love of this world. Show
us how to unconditionally give love and compassion to all, not
just a few chosen. Help us to understand and share this great
love and compassion with others. Helps us to break down of all
of the prejudice and hatred in this land and let the love of Jesus
spread throughout this land like the mighty rushing winds. Touch
us with Your tender yet firm understanding of your divine truths,
wisdom and understanding of the way of Your true love for each
and everyone of us. Then teach us how to give this love away freely
with no expectations.
And now these
three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these
is love.
(1 Corinthians 13:13)
The Music in the background is "Michael Shull - Silent Night" played on a dulcimer by Michael Shull. This Music is from his Christmas Album "Dulcimer Christmas" We will be using Michael's Music often.
Michael has several albums of dulcimer music. To see his selection, go to his web site at http://www.michaelshull.com/index.htm