In the mid 1960’s, Joan Baez, a then well-known folk singer, wrote and sang a song called, “Love is Just a Four-Letter Word.” The lyrics tried to show that although the word love has only four letters and might, therefore, be thought by some to be a simple concept, it is in reality a very complex idea. We all know this to be true from the experiences of our daily lives.
The ancient Greeks, a very intelligent civilization, realized that love was a complicated idea. Among the many gifts that the Greeks gave to our society was the science of philosophy, the science of thought. In philosophy and in language, the Greeks used three words to describe the vast nature of love. The first word was phileo, the idea of brotherly love. This is the love which is seen between sisters and brothers, or the love expressed between good friends. The second form of love is eros. This is romantic love, the love between one man and one woman. The third, and for the Greeks the highest form of love, is agapao, commonly called agape. Agape does not satisfy a personal need to feel loved, but unquestionably satisfies the Christian need to serve and be present to others.
Today’s readings are filled with expressions of agape, love for others. Jeremiah, like many of the ancient prophets, was a bit hesitant at his role. He considered himself unworthy of the task. Yet God chose him, touched his mouth, and prepared him for his mission to the Hebrew people. Jeremiah did his best, in circumstances that were many times very trying and troublesome, to carry God’s word to the nation of Israel. We hear about one of those especially troubling times in the first reading (Jeremiah 18: 18-20). The people of Judah and the citizens of Jerusalem have hatched a plot against Jeremiah to kill him. Jeremiah realizes the evil in the peoples’ hearts and speaks to God asking Him to remember his service. Jeremiah has always stood before God to speak on Israel’s behalf; he has been true to his call. Jeremiah has gone forth in a ministry of service. He has shown agape to the people whom God has given to him.
I am sure that all of us can relate to the indignation that the other ten apostles felt toward James and John, as we hear in today’s Gospel (Matthew 20: 17-28). Their mother wants her sons to sit in exalted positions in the Kingdom of God. Jesus wastes no time in correcting the thought of this woman and of all those present who hear her request. Jesus says that the one who aspires to greatness must serve the rest; whoever wants to rank first must first serve the needs of all. Jesus goes on to say that he, as well, has come not to be served but to serve, to give his life as a ransom for many. Jesus is expressing sacrifice and service, two of the primary conditions of agape. Jesus is not looking for something for himself. Like Jeremiah, his concern is solely for those whom God has given to him.
Lent is a time when we think of many things, many ways of renewal. Service, ministry to others, sacrifice—these are agape, that special form of love to which we are called this day. As we spend this day, let us think about how we can show greater love, greater agape to others. Let us follow the Master, Jesus, our brother, our friend, and our Lord, as we walk the Lenten journey this day.
May God Bless You and Grant You His Peace!