The scriptures today, especially Paul's letter to the Romans give us an insight into the dynamics of love and especially self-love. Paul is showing his humanity as he talks about his own compulsions which separate him from his vision of spirituality and a God-centered relationship. He admits to the Romans that no matter how hard he tries; he sees his actions and thoughts as being separate from his vision of what he knows he should be as a Christian. He judges himself as a sinner! He finds this overwhelming. However, he recognizes that no matter what, he can never be separate from God's love and God's presence with him For God loves him no matter what. This gives him courage to carry on in hope.
Unconditional love is God’s reality and standard for us. We always have God's presence with us no matter who we are, where we are, and what we've done. We are at one with God and God with us.
These are very unsettling times. Our worlds are turned upside down and we are afraid within our society as we know we're all vulnerable during this time of the pandemic. We see multiple reactions to this pressure ranging from retreat and anger to indifference and denial. My neighbours think we are in the "last days" before the final judgement! The assuredness of God's love and presence with us can help us walk on an even keel in this time. We know that no matter what is going on around us we have not been abandoned. We must be alert, thoughtful, and compassionate to ourselves and to others. We must be kind and we must love in these days of the pandemic.
