After the but

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today present some poetic words on love and understanding from Paul and Luke ending with “but”. “but the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13) Nate Romano, S.J. suggests that we need to battle against the cliche use of Chapter 13 of the Letter to the Corinthians to hear what Saint Ignatius knew about Love. Friar Jude comments on the transformation through love from childish selfishness to clarity about loving for the Love of Christ. “But wisdom is vindicated by all her children” (Luke 7:35) is the conclusion of the passage wherein acceptance of Jesus is blocked by preconceptions about what the Messiah should be among the people. Friar Jude concludes today by reminding us of our own experiences, supported by scripture and tradition, that God becomes present to us in surprising ways like street people and annoying relatives.