There are some very special things that we get to see in our lifetimes. Children being born, friends doing well, relationships that prosper and love. Yes, we do get to see love.
I am familiar with at least 3 Greek words that give us 3 different expressions of love.
"Philos" or "Philia" the concept of love for friends.
"Eros", an intimate love, romantic, longing, desire.
"Agape", unconditional love, we apply this term to the love that God has for us.
I suppose that there all sorts of "hybrids" that can come out of the 3, but then again what do I know?
I do know, ( for the most part anyway) that, which I see.
Sunday last I got to see my first Orthodox "Bishop" Service. I don't know if that is the right thing to call it, but it works for me. Bishop Michael led the Divine Liturgy at church and I was there.
Bishop Michael was there also to present Father Gary with the honor of the Jeweled Cross.
Bishop Michael told a very short story of how many years ago Father Gary was presented with several crosses to choose from by another priest. "Father Gary chose the simplest cross," he said. I saw and heard Bishop Michael choke up just a bit, when he said that. Fact is, so did I. And I saw love.
I happened to look over at Father Gary's wife, Mary, at just about that same time and she was beaming and teary eyed and looked just so proud of her husband. I saw love, again.
Later I came to find out, during a conversation with Father Gary at, are you ready for this?
The "Agape Coffee Hour" that the Jeweled Cross that was presented to Father Gary belonged to Mary's father who was a priest also. Love seen, once again.
That evening, at home, I walked into the bedroom.and I came to an abrupt stop!!!
There on my night stand,
was the hand carved wooden Orthodox Cross,
that my daughter Tiffany had given me,
a month or so ago, yep, once again.
I saw love.
Come to think of it, isn't that what we all should be seeing when we look at the cross?
