People (as you know) can be very opinionated.
When it comes to an opinion – everyone seems to have one, but not everybody shares theirs.
“Some opinions” are better kept buried within…left unspoken…unstated.
The problem with opinions of course is, they are “a view” or “a judgment” about something – but they are not necessarily based on fact or on knowledge…or even on the truth.
Talk radio is filled with public opinion. People cannot wait to “call in” and to be “on-the-air” and “live” and to share their views with others.
The same is true for social networks. People express their views all the time and sometimes they can be very judgmental and even very hurtful toward others.
Then there is the “silent majority” who would never offer their opinions, views or judgments-unless they were asked…and maybe, not even then.
Why would anybody want to know what I think? It is just an opinion! In the scheme of things, it is not all that important! It doesn’t really matter.
And then there are those who take it one step further. They take a giant leap forward and up the ante-big-time.
They may write letters to public officials.
Or publish articles and editorials in local newspapers.
They may sit in – on city council meetings or attend a state legislature session.
They may actually lobby political leaders. Make phone calls. Let their voices be heard. Make their wishes known.
They may attend public forums and ask to speak.
And they may even go so far as to: participate in demonstrations, strikes, sit-ins, marches or even to ultimately run for public office, themselves.
There are certain issues that people really get stoked about. They get excited!
Their “children” are one of those hot-button issues. “Politics” is another. Infringement on “rights and freedoms” is another.
All of a sudden people can get very fired up and opinionated…and sometimes, very loud. Sometimes these issues can be downright polarizing.
Jesus wanted people to be excited about love and loving. He wanted people to be excited about God…and serving him. He wanted people to be excited about the commandment to love…and loving one another.
A number of questions about “love, courtship and marriage” were posed to kids ages five to ten.
Their answers that follow are enlightening, to say the least!
WHAT DO “MOST PEOPLE” DO ON A DATE? they were asked.
Mike, age 10 said,
“On the first date, they just tell each other lies, and that usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date.”
IS IT BETTER TO BE “SINGLE OR MARRIED?” was the next question.
A nine-year-old girl named Lynette answered,
“It’s better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys need somebody to clean up after them!”
WHAT ATTRACTS PEOPLE? came another question.
Jan, age 9 replied,
“No one is sure why it happens, but I heard it has something to do with how you smell. That’s why perfume and deodorant are so popular.”
And the final question, WHAT IS FALLING IN LOVE LIKE?
Some of you may agree with nine-year-old Roger who answered,
“It’s like an avalanche — where you have to run for your life.
Our Gospel text is all about love and loving and about our relationship with our God and with his son, Jesus.
Jesus says it is a mutual relationship of love and support.
Jesus wants us to “take a stand” for love and loving. He wants us to be excited and stoked about loving one another and indeed – all others…
People seemingly have opinions on everything – why not on love and loving?
Where is the excitement?
Why is no one “fired up” about making this world a more loving place?
I am sure you probably share the opinion – that the world is sorely in need of love…and loving…And it starts with each of us!