What Love Demands of Us

I have been very aware this year of the overlap of focal points in February.  Perhaps it’s true every year, but it is in my minds eye more than ever this year.  February growing up was always known as the month of love.  As I’ve grown in my faith, the season of Lent has become more and more valuable to my faith.  And in the past few years, Black History month has become a time when I have a centerpiece around which I talk to my kids about how we will view the world and treat people.  Somehow, this year, the three have converged in my mind like never before.  Perhaps it is Valentines and Ash Wednesday falling on the same day.  Likely, it is the impression some wonderful friends are making on me, one in particular is spending the Lent season actively fighting racism in a public way, and another intentionally reading voices of color for lent.  Through a combination of forces, not the least of which is the Holy Spirit, I am growing because of this.  I’ve been surprise to find it’s even shaping the way I read the Word of God.

Just last night I stayed up, probably too late, doing some reading from the voices of color in our society, and those in my life.  Then this morning, I found those voices were still in my mind as I read the scriptures. From Psalm 43:

Vindicate me, O God,
and plead my cause against an ungodly nation;
rescue me from deceitful and wicked men.

You are God my stronghold.
Why have you rejected me?
Why must I go about mourning,
oppressed by the enemy?

I must confess that when I came to the Word this morning, I came with my own worries in my mind.  I was not aware of these other voices, and I certainly wasn’t looking for them.  I was looking for the voice of God to speak to my troubles. But after having spent my evening hearing other voices, my mind was beginning to be trained to recognize them.  I heard in this Psalm the voice of people of color.  I realized that I have never approached this scripture with any level of personal understanding, but my brothers and sisters of color…they understand it all to well.  My heart was broken.   Later in my daily reading came Philippians 4:10-17

I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me.  Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.  I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Yet it was good of your to share in my troubles.  Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need.  Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account.

Again, the voices of those I have been reading are reflected in the scriptures.  It seems you could fairly easily substitute Macedonia for Montgomery and get a true statement. In the voices I am reading, I’m not hearing anyone looking for a hand out or even hand up. What I hear is folks crying out for us to reflect the gospel we proclaim.  Again, this is what I hear in the last statement of this passage.  What credit is being posted to my account to show that I am indeed living in the economy of God?

Lent beginning on Valentines brings all kinds of irony.  What will happen to all that chocolate?  And how about having someone tell you that yes, you are frail and will die someday, while you celebrate your love for someone else, or better yet, your unmet desire for someone else.  Whew.  That’s quite the day.  But indeed, this is where

Lovingkindness and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

But best of all, Ash Wednesday sets in motion the season of lent where we turn our eyes to the greatest act of love that has ever happened. In lent, we set our eyes on Jesus, who not only said, but demonstrated death and love meeting with a kiss.  He showed us what it means to give up something you have the rights to for the sake of another.  He showed us that the greatest love is to lay down your life for another.

After having been married for 14 years, I know now that love isn’t the sexy thing that’s sold on the commercials.  Sometimes it doesn’t even feel good.  It’s a lot of hard work.  It’s commitment.  It’s a lot of ‘I’m sorry’ and ‘Please forgive me’. It’s a lot of sticking around even when it’s hard an uncomfortable.  It’s returning to the conversation even when we don’t want to.  When we see love in its more mature form, it is clear that Black History Month belongs perfectly at the center of the month of love, and in the season where we consider what love demands of us.