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- LAW OR LOVE?
- By Fr. KJ
Veeger, MSC
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Asked which
commandment was the greatest, Jesus answered that it was love of
God and fellowman: “…on these two commandments hang all the law
and the prophets (Matthew 22:37-40.) Love is called the greatest
or most important, because the Ten Commandments are no more than
love applied to various fields. Virtues are branches of t
 he
tree of love. Prayer wells up from a heart that loves. Liturgy
is homage to God that originates from loving devotion to Him and
inner spirit of sacrifice. At the same time, it is God’s loving
descent and communion.
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With regard
to man, love makes the person concerned abstain from doing harm to
the beloved like it is the case with hatred. Says Saint Paul,
“…if you love someone, you will never do him wrong; to love, then,
is to obey the whole law (Romans 13:10).” In his first letter to
the Corinthians, the apostle praises in a jubilant hymn: “Love is
patient and kind; it is not jealous or proud; love is not
ill-mannered, or selfish, or irritable; love does not keep a
record of wrongs; love is not happy with evil, but is happy with
the truth. Love never gives up, and its faith, hope and patience
never fail…” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)
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Often, the
meaning of love is misunderstood, as it is considered as identical
with being overwhelmed by somebody, erotics and sexuality.
Although these things are related to it, love is much more than
that. Love is not only connected with man's heart, but also with
his hands and feet, his time, hours and days, with his thinking
and behaving, with his energy, strength and will. Time that’s
available for relaxing and enjoyment is little. Yet however
little, only a few hours, this time too contributes indirectly to
the good of those whom we love and with whom we share our life.
The many other hours, when we are at work and busy, are to be
called time of love in the full sense. Of course, we work for our
own private interests, but not only for that. We work also for
our fellowmen and God. Being at work means that we take part in
God’s work in creating His world. Working is loving! Still,
there are many hours, which we spend at home, where we are
together with those we love. For example, isn’t much time used
for taking others back and forth to doctors or hospitals? It is
time of love! We should mention the moments when we sit together
to discuss, think, talk and decide about the children, their
school, the progress they make and their future. This too is
love!
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We go on
vacation to enjoy together the scenery around us, to strengthen
again the ties with others, or to break through the routine of
everyday life, and so refresh and renew the spirit of love at home
or at work. We go to Church to express our love for God, and to
pray both for those who are dear to us, and our enemies. It is
love par excellence! Numerous times we forgive somebody, are
compassionate and on guard not to make overhasty judgment.
Rather, we may defend others before people or in our own heart.
We even may take the other’s guilt upon us. All this and much
more is Love.
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Perhaps,
frequently, we feel sick, tired and listless. Yet, we compel
ourselves to do the work we must do, because others and God rely
upon us. It makes us more sick and tired, and does not change our
mood for the better. But it is love in action.
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What may
comfort us in God’s greatest commandment is the following: if we
love God and at the same time our fellowmen, and if we see God as
the source and foundation of that love, we may be sure that it
will extend to far beyond death, and rest in God forever.
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Now the
question, “Law or Love? Jesus would have answered that the more we
develop love, the less we need laws and commandments. For love
itself will move and motivate the person concerned to do the good
that contributes to the other’s well being, and omit the
opposite. Unfortunately in all of us, love is still
underdeveloped, so that we need auxiliary means in the form of
laws and commandments. But we never may forget that they are not
goals in themselves, but auxiliaries only. The sanctions, with
which they threaten, will push us to comply with at least the most
serious requirements of love. However, do not expect that the Ten
Commandments are a complete summary of Christian life. They are a
minimum only! Further, if they are observed in an external way
only, that is, without love - they will be of no benefits in the
sight of God. Only love of God and fellowmen is the constitution
of Christian life. (See 1 Corinthians 13:1-4.)
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IN THIS ISSUE:
HIS Servant
by Bro. Pete Lapid
The Father Speaks
By Fr. S. Binzler, SJ
Our Faith
By Fr. KJ Veeger, MSC
Place of Refuge
By Philip Yuson
Surabaya Corner
By Ramon Martillano
Community Life
By Tintin Magbitang
Reflection
By Fr. Agustinus Belo,
PR
Straight from the Heart
By Carolle Bautista
Catholic News Service
On Focus
By Sansu Garin
Saint for the Month
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