When I began to read the familiar words of Corinthians, I was immediately transported to countless weddings where the words “Love is patient, love is kind” are read as a celebration and a guide. We hear the words at a joyful time when people are starting on this life journey together, happy with each other and happy to be surrounded by family and friends.

Perhaps when we really need to read or hear these words is when love is tested. When we aren’t feeling so patient or kind. When we are brooding or slow to forgive. Love often isn’t easy. Or we make it hard. I think too often I am that “resounding gong or clashing cymbal,” when I don’t really hear those around me even when I think I am doing the right thing.
Love never fails. We might fail each other. We might fail ourselves. But God’s love never fails even when I feel like a clashing cymbal. We need to hear that message over and over again.

The way to God is love. In the Gospel, Jesus uses the examples of different paths. It can be hard for people to embrace the idea that love is kind and extends to the tax collector and sinners. Love can “endure all things” even when we don’t see the way out of our own difficulties. 

I need to remember in times of celebration of love and times when it seems that love is absent, that truly love is patient and kind. That means I too must try to be patient and kind, to make sure that my own resounding gong and clashing cymbal proclaim hope, faith and most of all love in my thoughts and my actions.