Father Damien and Mother Maryanne
Star of the Sea Painted Church, 1980
Dear friends,
The profound words of the Apostle Paul found in Romans 8:31-39 contain a profound message that transcends religious boundaries and speaks to the very essence of our human experience. As we explore these verses, I will endeavor to present their wisdom through the lens of my own understanding, drawing from the teachings of compassion and altruistic love.
Paul begins by asking, "What then shall we say to these things?" Here, he is reminding us that if we have altruistic love (agape in the Greek of Paul's letters, or metta in the Pali of early Buddhist scriptures) in our hearts, we are connected to something greater than ourselves, something divine. It is this divine love that empowers us to overcome all obstacles and endure the hardships that come our way.
The Apostle continues, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" This verse reminds us of the inherent strength we possess when we align ourselves with the forces of goodness, compassion, and love. When our intentions are rooted in benefiting others, we become vehicles of divine grace. With this divine force on our side, the challenges and opposition we encounter lose their power over us. We can face any adversity with courage and resilience, for the power of love is greater than anything that can stand against it.
Paul then asks, "He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?" In selfless pursuit of the well-being of others, we align ourselves with the divine purpose of compassion and love. By embracing this purpose, we receive the abundant blessings that flow naturally from such a noble path.
Moving forward, Paul declares, "Who shall bring any charge against God's elect?" Here, he is emphasizing that when we are guided by altruistic love, we need not be concerned with worldly matters such as fame or infamy, praise or blame. The opinions and judgments of others hold no sway over us when our hearts are filled with the genuine desire to alleviate the suffering of all beings. In the face of criticism or condemnation, we remain steadfast in our commitment to love and compassion.
Paul concludes this passage with a powerful proclamation:
we are more than conquerors
through him who loved us.
For I am convinced
that neither death, nor life,
nor angels, nor rulers,
nor things present, nor things to come,
nor powers,
nor height, nor depth,
nor anything else in all creation,
will be able to separate us
from the love of God
in Christ Jesus our Lord.
When we cultivate altruistic love, we align ourselves with a force that transcends all boundaries. It is a love that transcends life and death, a love that surpasses the limitations of this world. It is a love that unifies us with the divine, regardless of our religious or spiritual backgrounds. This love is all-encompassing, and nothing in the vast expanse of creation can separate us from it.
Dear friends, let us embrace the wisdom of these verses and nurture the flame of altruistic love in our hearts. By doing so, we align ourselves with the divine purpose and become agents of compassion in the world. Let us rise above the concerns of this fleeting existence and live in harmony with the eternal principles of love, understanding, and kindness.
May the wisdom of Paul's words and the spirit of compassion guide our lives, so that we may become beacons of light and love in a world that desperately needs it. May we walk the path of altruistic love and experience the profound connection with the divine that is available to each and every one of us.