Thought for the Week: What does love require of you?
Felicity McCartney reflects on the phrase 'What does love require of you?'
Every stage of our lives offers fresh opportunities. Responding to divine guidance, try to discern the right time to undertake or relinquish responsibilities without undue pride or guilt. Attend to what love requires of you, which may not be great busyness. Advices and queries 28
I have been reflecting on the phrase ‘What does love require of you?’ and I think love can be taken at a number of levels.
Firstly, there is the love, care and concern we have for those closest to us. This is not always easy, but it is often rewarding. It is a love that is unconditional in good times and bad.
Secondly, love may require us to reconcile – perhaps to make an approach in a relationship that has broken down and try to set it in a better place. Or, maybe, to speak to a neighbour for the first time rather than regarding him/her as ‘not like me’.
And, thirdly, what of our impact on the world? Love may require us to work to improve life for people we do not even know through support for peace and justice. ‘Justice is love from afar.’ I cannot, personally, know people suffering across the world, but I can try to support those working to improve conditions elsewhere and those organisations bringing hope to areas of poverty, conflict and famine. Those working for development, health, education and better agricultural systems to feed nations locally need our support as much as possible.
I reflect on what are the best ways for me to make a contribution, nearer home and in the wider world. We all have limited time and energy. Reflecting on the Epiphany and the visit of the wise men to Jesus bringing gifts, we can try to identify what particular gifts we have to give to make the world a better place. What are my gifts and what does love require of me?
Felicity McCartney
clerk of Ireland Yearly Meeting
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