THEME 2: Mission of Love
The Bible bursts with images describing God’s love – a father welcoming a prodigal son, a shepherd searching for lost sheep, a mother comforting her children, and many more. But marriage is the dominant Biblical metaphor for God’s covenant with Israel and the Church. The Bible is a love story between God and his people, and this love has all the dimensions of a good marriage: it is erotic and heart-felt, but it is also tough and sacrificial, weathering challenges and even betrayal. Jesus loves the Church like a groom loves his bride – even when we disappoint him, even when we hurt him. In this way, Christianity reveals hope for us all, including married couples and families. God commands forgiveness and service because he loves us; forgiveness and mutual service can transform any marriage into a parable of God’s love. God is love, but there is nothing sentimental about this love. God is love – and when we love like he loves, it will cost us, but it is the only way to live authentically and avoid counterfeit loves. Contemplating Christ on the cross, we gaze on the miracle that created and sustains us.
