And the greatest of them all is love
Today, Valentine's Day, the day of love and lovers, when the ones who love and those who are beloved do celebrate their love in wine, music and lovemaking, I have chosen to write no longer about politics, nor about my many advocacies and missions. I shall, if only for today, write about love. And I can think of no other references than the Scriptures. Of all the letters of Saint Paul, I value more that first letter to the Corinthians, Chapter 13. St. Paul was comparing love to faith, and knowledge and to the other gifts of wisdom, prophecy, and discernment. He ended with the inevitable conclusion that at the end of time, there shall be only three gifts remaining: faith, hope, and love. And the greatest of them is love.
Paul said that even if he could speak like wise men and angels but if he was without love, he would be nothing but like a noisy gong and a clanging cymbal. I remember our politicians today who profess love for the poor, kuno. Paul wrote that even if he could have all the wisdom that could fathom all knowledge and even if he could move mountains, he would be nothing. I remember our pastors and bible preachers on TV who could memorize chapters in the Scriptures, kuno. Paul wrote that even if he would give all his possessions to the poor and offer his body to be burned, he would gain nothing without love. I remember our modern Scribes and Pharisees. Charitable kuno.
Then Paul described love as patient. I remember our young couples who come to me for legal advice. They marry now and have annulment next week. Paul said that love is kind. I remember parents who whip their children and children who shout at their old parents. Kindness is an endangered species. Paul wrote that love is not envious and does not boast. I remember petty politicians who kill and ambush each other due to envy and out of spite for the opponents' boastfulness. Paul wrote that love is not proud nor rude. I remember underlings of high public officials who proudly display their insignias and plate numbers and demand special treatment as they violate laws and ordinances on traffic and all.
Paul said that love is not self-seeking, is not easily angered and does not keep a record of wrongs. It does not delight in evil things but rejoices in the truth. I remember some local and national officials who are vengeful and arrogant, irritable and are even involved in shady deals and transactions, but project and image of integrity and honor. Paul said that love always protects and always trusts. And I ask why are there parents of young children who offer their kids to pedophiles for cybersex and even for actual prostitution. Paul wrote that love always hopes, then why are there today many suicides, mercy-killing, abortions, and self-mutilation.
The curse of today's world and today's generation is selfishness, greed, avarice, lust, gluttony and pride, envy and above all, the refusal to love. Today, Valentine’s Day, we should all reflect on our common mortal sin: our faith without love is empty. Our hope without love is vain. Our life without love is meaningless.
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