Not Just Another Love Song

The next consideration within Francis' prayer is expressed that we not so much seek:

"To be loved as to love"

Nobody is suggesting (least of all me) that our needs be forgotten, that they are less important than those of others; to be sloughed off, shirked or otherwise abandoned.

However, an orientation of continual self-seeking is out of balance too. I can't eliminate entirely the effect of my own lens of perspective; but taking that into account, I will still assert, that I don't believe that those actively and consistently bringing love through, to the world, are in excess.

The way the planet, the environment, oceans and forests are treated - is not an expression of love, least of all for those that are acting out this exploitation. It embodies a lack of love toward themselves. They are literally biting the hand that feeds them.

We have been taught to fear differences, which feeds divisiveness and justifies dehumanization and atrocity of all forms. There's a vast swath of the "human experience" that in my humble opinion, is a rather pronounced call for love. People are just not that different, when it gets down to where the tires meet the pavement.

Many people direct more love, care and attention to their car, than they do toward themselves or the people they come in contact with. The tail is wagging the dog, we have lovers of things and users of people (rather than the reverse).

Again I'll mention that Francis was trying to live his life the way Jesus taught and lived. Jesus broke all the societal, political and religious norms in order to demonstrate what is possible for us all. Blind obedience to all the rules, laws, protocols, policies etc. will invariably lead to turning a blind eye to human decency, care and concern, love and compassion. The reason being, that the agendas that exist behind these dictates, have nothing to do with the greater good for all - they are more likely to serve the needs of the few.

No question it's challenging at times to show up as love; in the face of a situation, where someone is acting out a distinct cry for love. It might well call one to examine and expand what they have come to know as love. I'm not suggesting that unacceptable behaviour be enabled. In this respect asking "what would love have me do" - might well yield a response such as, "that behaviour, or what you said to me, is not okay with me!" Love for self and love toward another - letting them know that how their being in the world isn't acceptable, rather than dance around them and pretend it doesn't matter. That serves no one!

As the old song was crooned -

"What the world needs now is love, sweet love

It's the only thing that there's just too little of
What the world needs now is love, sweet love,
No not just for some but for everyone."

R. O'Neill (July 20, 2018)