In today's second reading , a selection from Paul's letter to the Corinthian, we have an opportunity to look at a word, perhaps the most used and abused word in our language. The word is love. One word for love, philia, we know from geography: Philadelphia. The city of brotherly love. Love for other people. A second word used in the Bible for love is eros. We know the English word erotic, referring to the love that attracts one person to another physically. This love of friends and the love of lovers are gifts from God.
Paul introduces us to agape. This is the love that starts with God, is directed toward us and is then given back to God as well as to others. It is not, however, another word to express the love of husband and wife. There are times when these spouses give the love of God to each other. Paul wants us to know that agape is the kind of love that can be found as the source of the ministry of the church and every parish.: the love of God made known in Jesus. Today throughout the USA, Catholics are initiating Catholic Schools Week. Let me sugggest a thought or two about agape as Paul means it and our Catholic Schools. The love of God is made known in Jesus ... who is in many ways the model proposed by many teachers and Principals to the students. It is my strong conviction that we are becoming and even greater parish because there are more and more parish families bringing their children to the school. It is in the efforts of the parents, teachers, administrators and staff that the love of God is made clearer especially to our young people. In the care that every child experiences with others and from the adults associated with the school that they come to understand what it means to love, to care.
We are particularly blessed with out school. Today there are more families from the parish bringing the young to the school than in recent years. Our "scholars" are well trained in the disciplines that will bring them success in high school. It is not unusual to see teachers helping students. What is most impressive is the number of 7th and 8th graders you will see helping younger students. What is so wonderful is the reaction of visitors to the school. Mrs. Sheila Martinez, our Principal, every day and in every way goes beyond the ordinary for our students. She is a model of accepting the Father's love for her and then giving it forth for those with whom she works. Her spirit spreads throughout the school.
So, although Paul's theology may use a strange word and a particular way of understanding the word love, the realities around us usually reflect that presence of God's love for us. Our school and the people who work with the students reflect that love ... as do the parents in their care for their offspring.
