We All Need To Be Loved
“I have never met a person whose greatest need was anything other than real, unconditional love. You can find it in a simple act of kindness toward someone who needs help. There is no mistaking love…it is the common fiber of life, the flame that heats our soul, energizes our spirit and supplies passion to our lives.” ~ Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
While you read this reflection, have your mind play the song, “What the world needs now is love sweet love” in the background. It’s the only thing that there’s just too little of!
Seriously. We are all in need of love. Throughout my years as a priest at parishes with schools as well as being a chaplain at an orphanage, I have seen children and teens seeking love. They are so needy and, sadly, oftentimes are not getting the love that they require at home.
Love is not some mystic, nebulous concept. Love is a reality. Without love, people will wither up inside. Babies deprived of love will often die. Children, teens, and young adults will do things that are not right, or even legal, in order to get love that has been withheld by others.
Real, unconditional love is crucial. It should not be treated as a commodity — that would make it conditional love — and it should be freely given. How can we expect to receive the love that we need if we do not love freely?
If we want to see the prime example of love, we need to look no further than at Jesus. He is pure, unconditional love. His love for us came at a high price for Him. He suffered and died on the cross because He loved us yet He gave Himself willingly. He showed us that love is possible and that love heals and frees. As we continue our Lenten journeys, let’s ask God to help us love as completely as His Son.
FAITH ACTION: Love others freely and unconditionally today and allow yourself to be loved by God.