John 15: 9-11
“As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.”
I am not sure I understand Jesus’ depth of love for me. I am trying to understand. If I felt the depth of his love, would I be able to stray like I do? My ego, the titles, the accomplishments, the tangible material goods I seek, the unkind thoughts, the imperfections, the loss of joy and peace are paralyzing. How could anyone love this flawed human?
That is what is so miraculous, Jesus loves me at a depth I don’t understand, and he loves you too.
All humans love …”love”…they love their families, significant others, and friends. We love watching love whether it’s displayed in movies, or families and friends gathered at special events. We love seeing communities rise together at pivotal moments, singing patriotic songs for their countries, experiencing births of newborns…all are representative of some form of love. I had a nurse colleague of mine once say …”I am so glad I have a child who is capable of loving.”
Love is often taken for granted and when it is lost..it is a loss that is described as unsurmountable causing a grief so profound it shakes us to our core.
I love being loved by Jesus. I am blessed and grateful. In return, I promise to love more: more profound, more deeply, more like Jesus as he desires.
I must share a beautiful poem I found from an earlier reflection by Pat Callone (2007) that is profound and perfect for this reflection on love.
Psalms of a Laywoman by Edwina Gateley, V.M.M. (within her book also).
“You are called to become a perfect creation.
No one is called to become who you are called to be.
It does not matter how short or tall
Or thick-set or slow you may be.
It does not matter whether you sparkle with life or are silent as a still pool --
Whether you sing your song aloud or weep alone in darkness.
It does not matter whether you feel loved and admired or unloved and alone…
For you are called to be become a perfect creation.
No one’s shadow should cloud your becoming
No one’s light should dispel your spark
For the Lord delights in you – jealously looks upon you
And encourages with gentle joy every movement of the Spirit within you.
Unique and loved you stand, beautiful or stunted in your growth
But never without hope and life…
For you are called to become a perfect creation.
This becoming may be gentle or harsh, subtle or violent
But it never ceases, never pauses or hesitates,
Only is –
Creative force – calling you, calling you to become a perfect creation”.
Cindy Costanzo
I have worked at Creighton University since 2005 as a full-time associate professor in the College of Nursing (CON), graduate school, and College of Professional and Continuing Education (CPCE). In 2023, I transitioned to part-time as a adjunct associate professor in CPCE within the Doctorate in Interdisciplinary Education department. I love working with doctoral students as they journey toward their terminal degree.
Reading and writing reflections for this ministry augments my daily meditation and allows me to grow closer to Jesus. Spending this time in prayer and meditation over the past several years has transformed me in ways I am forever grateful.
