On the
surface, the poetry in the book of Song of Songs expresses love between a man
and woman; at a deeper level, it expresses the awesome love between God and humanity.Yet, for us, it is through our human interactions
is the only way we can experience God’s love for now through what researchers
call the Five Love Languages.
The first
way to express love is to use of “WORDS
OF AFFIRMATION” that build up. Solomon, author of ancient Hebrew Wisdom
Literature, wrote, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Prv
18:21). Unfortunately, many in our world have never
learned or forgotten the tremendous power of verbally affirming each other.
Those we love require “QUALITY TIME”. By “quality time” I mean giving someone your
undivided attention. Sitting on the
couch watching television together, doesn’t count as quality time. Giving
each other our undivided attention means talking with each other, going out to
eat, and actually looking at each other while we talk. Time is a precious commodity often stolen
away by the many demands on our lives. In
our Gospel today, we hear that Mary went “in haste” (Lk 1:39) to be
present to Elizabeth.
Almost
everything ever written on the subject of love indicates that at the heart of
love is the spirit of giving. All five
love languages challenge us to give, but for some, “RECEIVING GIFTS”, visible symbols of love, speaks the loudest. You must be thinking of someone to give them
a gift.
Jesus’
primary love language was “ACTS OF
SERVICE”. His acts of service
included healings & feedings, his presence, encouragement to repent, and
his sharing message of hope, sharing the good news. His entire being was about serving the other,
especially the lost, the outcast, and the forsaken.
We have
long known that “PHYSICAL TOUCH” is
a way of communicating love. Research
projects in the area of child development have concluded babies who are held,
stroked and kissed develop a healthier emotional life than those who are left
for long periods of time without physical contact. Physical touch is a powerful way to
communicate love, a hand shake, a hug, a simple kiss on the forehead or check,
or a sign of peace in our liturgy all express a love of neighbor.[1]
From the Annunciation, to the Nativity, right up to the invitation to enter into Jesus’ passion, death and resurrection in this Eucharistic celebration;
Luke wants his readers and us to recognize the Holy Spirit as the driving force
in the lives of God’s faithful love for his people. He wants us to understand the Eucharist is
God’s love language.
[1]
Adapted from Focus on the Family, “Understanding the Five Love Languages” by
Cary Chapman © 2015.
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